A fire of unknown origin was still smouldering up to Tuesday this week at the Corito landfill, a section of which erupted in flames early Thursday afternoon, June 13.
The fire broke out at the eastern area of the landfill, a close but comfortable distance down from the fuel pipeline to the storage facilities at the Anguilla Electricity Company. But, according to informed sources, at no time was the pipeline, east of the burning area, or the residents well to the west, were in danger. Smoke inhalation was about the only problem facing the residents over a period of several days.
A spokesman at the Department of Health Protection said the fire encompassed an area of some fifty feet by twenty feet where the landfill was about ten feet in depth. That section of the landfill is reserved for construction waste which is thoroughly compacted. Some eight trucks of water, delivered by several private companies, and a load of foam supplied by the Fire Department at the Airport, were used in putting out the flames. Excavating equipment was also used to cut trenches to stop the spread of the fire.
The spokesman said it could not be immediately determined what caused the fire and that personnel from the Department of Health Protection had undertaken an investigation into the matter. It is understood that, among other things, the investigators are focusing on the dumping of waste which may have been done at that particular area prior to the fire.The spokesman stressed that the solid waste taken to the landfill is usually compressed and that no fire is applied to any area of the site.
The day following the outbreak of the fire, the Ministry of Health issued a release advising the general public that it was contained and under control. The release warned, however, that heavy smoke continued to be a problem and that the best strategy for controlling the fire was to allow it to burn out.
“The fire may continue to smoulder for several days,” the release continued. “Residents in the area surrounding Corito are reminded to monitor the situation, and to take preventative measures by staying indoors with windows closed or relocating if the air quality worsens in order to protect their health and wellbeing. This is particularly important for those suffering asthma or other respiratory illnesses.”
So far, there have been no reports of illness resulting from the smoke. This is not the first time that fire has occurred at the Corito landfill and every precaution is being taken to avoid a recurrence of such a situation, the spokesman at the Department of Health Protection said.
The Department has offered thanks to the following persons, companies and departments for their speedy response and assistance: Mr Roy Carty & CLM Heavy Equipment; Mr Junie Fleming & Superior Industrial Equipment; Mr Joseph Vanterpool & Vanterpool Services; Mr Freddie Hughes & National Trucking; Mrs Ethelyn Fleming and Charlie’s Water Services; Mr Martin Richardson & the Department of Fire and Mr Bancroft Battick& the Ministry of Communications, Utilities and Housing.
