JUST IN: WPM Waste Management responding to fire at Retirement Disposal Site tipping area

WPM Waste Management is currently responding to a fire at the Retirement Disposal Site tipping area.

The fire is suspected to have originated from material delivered by a waste collection truck on Wednesday, July 8.

In a statement, the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) said an alarm was raised and on-site workers immediately notified the site supervisor, allowing for a rapid response.

It said initial firefighting efforts were undertaken using available equipment, including WPM’s newly commissioned water truck. However, strong winds have hampered containment efforts.

It said approximately 100 metres along the circumference of the tipping phase has been affected.

WPM crews remain on-site and are working alongside the Jamaica Fire Brigade to bring the situation under control.

Tipper trucks are transporting stockpiled cover material to the affected area to assist in smothering
the fire and preventing its further spread.

NSWMA’s Deputy Executive Director, Miss Sheenique Johnson, has instructed the Director of Landfill, Dave Powell, who is already on location, to spare no effort in bringing an early resolution to this matter

The NSWMA continues to closely monitor the situation and will return the disposal facility to normalcy in the shortest possible time.