Police had no information as of Sunday as to what caused the fires.
Inspector Walter Evans revealed that “very, very huge heaps of rubbish” went up in flames at the city dump and have been blazing since early Saturday morning.
The fire at the dump will likely burn for a few more days, Inspector Evans said, adding that Fire Services has “a very mammoth task” in putting that fire out.
The major concern with the fire at the dump is the dense smoke carpet billowing up around the Jubilee Gardens and Fire Trail Road area. Police are urging caution for all residents, especially those who suffer from asthma or some other condition that creates breathing difficulties.
“Every effort is being made by the Royal Bahamas Police Force Fire Services to bring (the fire at the dump) under full control. However, for those persons who reside in the Jubilee Gardens area we are warning that there will be some smoke discomfort,” Inspector Evans said.
“We want to reassure them of our continued commitment in terms of being able to minimize the (amount of smoke discomfort) as much as possible,” he added.
Inspector Evans also noted that the fire at the dump is one of nine fires the department had to deal with on Saturday. Two buildings, one vehicle and one other pile of rubbish caught fire on Saturday as well.
According to police reports, there were no injuries reported as a result of these fires.
“We are taking all the necessary safety precautions,” Inspector Evans said.
Speaking with the Journal from the site of the blaze, Inspector Evans explained that “there were a few canisters that would have erupted, and we’re dealing with very, very huge heaps of rubbish and so it poses a challenge.
“The Ministry of Health officials are here assisting in respect to this incident and so we are doing everything that we can, at this point.”
By: Quincy Parker, The Bahama Journal
