PRESS RELEASE Latest update of fire situation at Corito Landfill Site The Ministry of Health and Social Development wishes to advise that the fire which started on 29th March 2014 in the demolition waste storage area at the Corito Landfill Site is currently contained and under control. The Ministry of Health, the Department of Health Protection and the Anguilla Fire and Rescue Service have been working vigorously over the past week and a half to control the fire in order to protect the health of the public, and in particular those residents in the surrounding area. Acting Fire Chief Mr Shondell Hodge has revealed that he is quite pleased with remedial efforts which have proven to be quite successful in containing and controlling the spread of fire. He went on to say that they have secured a constant supply of water from the water table at the site which is being utilized on a daily basis to supress the fire and drown smoke emissions. He further commented that at the moment there is no emission of dark smoke, only clear smoke. However, residents may continue to smell the fumes from the fire. The Department of Health Protection is constantly monitoring the situation. In the event of any flare up the Department will take immediate action to reduce levels of smoke or odour emissions. During this initial control process, neighbouring residents are advised of the following: · People with asthma and other respiratory conditions may be particularly susceptible to the smoke and should carry and use their medication (such as their inhalers) as necessary. · Residents in the surrounding area with chronic respiratory diseases are advised to limit time outdoors. · Persons experiencing respiratory distress are advised to seek medical attention. · Persons living in close proximity to the waste disposal area should be aware that the air quality can change very quickly with a shift in wind direction. · Residents are advised to avoid the smoke as much as possible. If residents are affected by smoke, staying indoors with the doors and windows closed will provide additional protection. · Questions regarding the on-going remedial works at the Landfill site can be directed to the Environmental Health Unit at Tel: 1-264 497-2631. Questions regarding the on-going remedial works at the Landfill site can be directed to the Environmental Health Unit at Tel: 1-264 497-2631. · Residents are strongly encouraged to contact the Acting Chief Fire Officer on any specifics regarding fire safety issues at the Site at Tel: 1-264-4984433 The Ministry through this medium would like to extend sincere thanks and appreciation to Anguilla Fire and Rescue Services and all the other key stakeholders that are assisting the Department in their ongoing response efforts to contain and control the fire at the site. We are grateful for the public’s understanding and patience. Ministry of Health & Social Development 10th April 2014
Posted on: Fri, 11 Apr 2014 15:51:12 +0000
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