Riverton landfill fire could continue for another three days - ODPEM

Jovan Johnson, Gleaner Writer



KINGSTON, Jamaica:

The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) says it could take another three days to completely put out the fire that started at the Riverton landfill in St Andrew yesterday.



The blaze which has been restricted to the five-acre tyre cell on the landfill, was brought under control late yesterday afternoon.



ODPEM’s acting director general Richard Thompson says the fire-fighters now have a better handle of the fire which police believe is the work of arsonists.



He says the visibility in the surrounding areas is not being affected.



In response to the blaze, the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) activated its National Emergency Protocol.



The Education Ministry this morning gave the go-ahead for schools to be opened in the area.



The latest Riverton fire has re-ignited concerns about the fact that the landfill is operating without the required licences.



The Opposition Jamaica Labour Party has accused the Government government of negligence regarding the Riverton landfill. 



READ: Opposition blasts government over Riverton landfill fires



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