KINGSTON, Jamaica – The National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) says it is being assisted by the Jamaica Fire Brigade to put out a fire that’s now raging at the Riverton Disposal Site in St Andrew.

The NSWMA said it was notified of the fire outbreak shortly after midday on Tuesday, April  9. It shared that following the alert, the JFB was immediately contacted, and units were swiftly dispatched to the site to assist.

Audley Gordon, executive director of the NSWMA, confirmed that teams on the ground are diligently working to quell the blaze.

“We activated the usual protocols upon receiving the alert, and the Fire Brigade responded swiftly to the scene. Cover material (soil) is readily stockpiled at all our facilities, thereby ensuring an ample supply of material to aid in combating this blaze and facilitating the swift restoration of normal operations,” he said.

“The fire, located at the periphery of the disposal site, poses significant challenges due to its difficult accessibility, compounded by high winds. Despite these obstacles, the collaborative efforts of the NSWMA and the JFB remain steadfast in addressing the situation effectively,” the release from the NSWMA read.

The organisation noted further that it is undertaking every possible measure “to contain and extinguish the fire, prioritising the safety and well-being of both personnel and surrounding communities.”

Updates regarding the progress of the firefighting efforts will be provided as the situation unfolds.