Fire engulfs Pockwood Pond dumpsite this morning Dec 9, 2023
He noted that the fire service was alerted however, “the fire spread to the BVI Electricity Corporation, but it was quickly attended to by the fire services.”
The Director noted that at this time, “the fire extremity has moved from high to moderate.” The fire was likely caused by the older garbage heat, which caused several combustions heard on site and eventually spread to the entire garbage load.
Mr. Solomon added that the Department of Waste Management (DWM) and the Fire and Rescue Services continue to monitor and try to extinguish the fire. None of the DWM equipment was damaged according to Mr. Solomon, however, he asked that the public take the necessary health precautions.
Western side of Tortola and parts of USVI affected
Meanwhile, Jr Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries, and First District Representative, Dr the Hon Karl Dawson told his people that, “for those of you awakening to the smell of smoke, like me, there is a waste fire at Pockwood Pond."
"It is not a landfill fire, but a fire in the waste area alongside the building where the trucks dump before the material is transported up the hill to the landfill. Fire and Rescue are on site and working to contain and extinguish the blaze.”
Hon Dawson added that, “Currently, the fire and smoke are trending up the hill towards the west and northwest, which is bad for persons living here but it is at the moment preserving the building, the destruction of which would pose long-term difficulties.”
Smoke reportedly reached USVI
Some residents in the USVI have reported to our newsroom that smoke from the fire has also spread to St. John and small areas of St. Thomas.
Minister for Health and Social Development, Hon. Vincent O. Wheatley (R9) could not be reached for comments. It is believed he is in transit on his way back to the Territory from the COP 28 United Nations Climate Change Summit held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
However, both Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) and Dr Dawson are said to be keeping residents up to date on the situation.
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34 Responses to “Fire engulfs Pockwood Pond dumpsite this morning Dec 9, 2023”
Incredible
But I do not understand why the West people taking this so lightly while they are being poisoned and dying one by one.
This deserves a class action law suit.
Your not tired ,every weekend we have to hide in the house.
Unacceptable
Besides the majority of the Lawyers in the BVI in bed with the Government. That is where they are getting their bread and butter so not one will go up against them.