Fire at Landfill in Vieux-Fort
A fire which begun on Sunday August 24, 2013 at the Vieux Fort Landfill is now under control, according to officials.
A press release from the Ministry of Public Service, Information and Broadcasting states that the Saint Lucia Fire Service responded to reports of the blaze at about 8 p.m. on Sunday night.
“Upon arrival, fire personnel discovered a fire concentrated to a large heap of tyres. To date, the blaze continues,” the press release states.
“A collaborative team comprising members from the ministry of health, the Saint Lucia Fire Service, the Saint Lucia Solid Waste Management Authority , the Department of Fisheries and the National Emergency Management Organisation have been arduously working to assess the situation at the landfill and surrounding communities,” the release added.
According to the release, an assessment of the situation has led to the conclusion that the fire is under control and will be fully extinguished in a three-phase plan.
“The first phase involves dispersing the tyre pile. The next phase is excavating a pit in which the tyres will be doused. The final phase is to drown the tyres. This exercise should be concluded by Monday 2nd September, 2013,” the release said.
The department also informed that “schools in the vicinity of the fire, namely the Vieux Fort Comprehensive Secondary School Campus B, the Plain View Combined School and the preschools located in the area, will be closed next week to facilitate adequate assessment and clean-up.”
The national emergency organization has advised the public that sporadic flare-ups during the extinguishing process are possible but assured that there is no cause for alarm.
“Additionally, there may be sediment deposits during this exercise but these deposits will be dealt with in due course. Further, NEMO wishes to advise the public affected by the pungent and unbearable odour to limit their exposure as much as possible. Should any respiratory distress symptoms occur, please see your medical practitioner or visit a health facility at the soonest.A subsequent update on this situation will be issued,,” the press release said.