Persons Urged to Take Precautions against Smoke from Riverton Fire

Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Jacquiline Bisasor-McKenzie, is urging the public to take the necessary precautions against smoke inhalation, due to the fire at the Riverton Disposal Site.

“Due to the increase in pollutants in the air as a result of the fire, persons in the surrounding communities in Kingston and St. Andrew and St. Catherine area are asked to limit outside activities as much as possible,” Dr. Bisasor-McKenzie said in an audio statement from the Ministry of Health and Wellness on Wednesday (April 10).

She noted that exposure to the pollutants may cause headaches, dizziness, skin irritation, runny nose, itchy runny eyes, cough, wheezing or shortness of breath.

Dr. Bisasor-McKenzie further urged persons to wear a mask while inside or outside if necessary.

The Chief Medical Officer further advised that those with respiratory issues should exercise caution, keep medicines for emergencies on hand, and make sure they are taking their prescriptions.

Healthcare facilities should be prepared for an increase in the number of patients over the next few days as people who are now exposed may run into problems later.

The National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) informed that the fire, which started on Tuesday (April 9), has since been extinguished, with the support of the Jamaica Fire Brigade and the Jamaica Defence Force.

The agency advises that the team is working to alleviate the smoke nuisance which remains in the surrounding areas.