Crews battling fire at Retirement dump in St James; winds hampering containment efforts, agency reports

WPM Waste Management is reporting that crews are currently responding to a fire at the Retirement Disposal Site in St James.

The entity said the fire is suspected to have originated from material delivered by a waste collection truck on Wednesday.

In a statement today, the agency said an alarm was raised promptly and on-site workers immediately alerted the site supervisor, allowing for a rapid response.

According to the company, initial firefighting efforts were carried out using available equipment, including WPM's newly commissioned water truck. 

However, the company said strong winds have hampered containment efforts.

It said approximately 100 metres along the circumference of the tipping phase have so far been affected.

WPM said its crews remain on location and are working alongside the Jamaica Fire Brigade to bring the fire under control.

The company added that tipper trucks are transporting stockpiled cover material to the affected area to help smother the fire and prevent it from spreading further.

Meanwhile, National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) Deputy Executive Director Sheenique Johnson has instructed Director of Landfill Dave Powell, who is already at the site, to spare no effort in bringing the matter to an early resolution.

The NSWMA said it continues to closely monitor the situation and is working to return the disposal facility to normal operations as quickly as possible.

The authority said further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

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