Response Teams Work to Bring Riverton Blaze Under Control

The  Office  of  Disaster  Preparedness  and  Emergency  Management  (ODPEM)  in  response  to  the March 16, 2014 fire at the Riverton City Solid Waste Dump has activated its National Emergency Protocol.

The blaze which began early Sunday morning prompted  a response from the Jamaica Fire Brigade, the  Jamaica  Defense  Force,  the  National  Solid  Waste  Management  Agency,  the   National Environment and Planning Agency, The Kingston and St. Andrew Cooperation, Petrojam Limited,

the National Water Commission, Airports Authority of Jamaica, the Office of the Prime Minister , the Ministry of Transport, Works and  Housing, The Ministry of Health and the  Ministry  of Local Government.

In an  attempt to bring the blaze under control, the Jamaica Fire Brigade has  dispatched  seven water engines  with  aerial  ladders,  foam  and  tractors  that  are  compacting  dirt,  while  on-the-ground personnel continue to monitor the situation.

The National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA)  in addition to regular licensed private air quality monitoring systems,  has established seven  other points strategically located at Hope Road and  Hope  Pastures,  Cross  Roads,  Portmore,  Spanish  Town  Road,  Washington  Gardens  and  Red Hills (measuring Particulate Matter: volatile organics 2.5).

The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) and the Ministry of Health are advising that persons who continue to be affected by the fire adhere to this advisory:

• Avoid or reduce exposure to smoke by closing window and doors and remain indoors as much as possible. This is especially so for those persons who suffer from allergies, asthma and other respiratory conditions; and elderly and young.
• Cover nose and mouth with a clean wet rag or cloth to minimize effects of the smoke.
• Avoid exposing laundry outdoors since these can become contaminated, stained and foul smelling.
• Visit the nearest health facility or doctor if they start having shortness of breath, wheezing or severe coughing, especially those with respiratory illnesses.

The ODPEM will continue to monitor the situation and issue bulletins as necessary.

For further information on health advice and issues dial toll free 1888 663 5683

The  Office  of  Disaster  Preparedness  and  Emergency  Management  (ODPEM)  in  response  to  the March 16, 2014 fire at the Riverton City Solid Waste Dump has activated its National Emergency Protocol.

The blaze which began early Sunday morning prompted  a response from the Jamaica Fire Brigade, the  Jamaica  Defense  Force,  the  National  Solid  Waste  Management  Agency,  the   National Environment and Planning Agency, The Kingston and St. Andrew Cooperation, Petrojam Limited,

the National Water Commission, Airports Authority of Jamaica, the Office of the Prime Minister , the Ministry of Transport, Works and  Housing, The Ministry of Health and the  Ministry  of Local Government.

In an  attempt to bring the blaze under control, the Jamaica Fire Brigade has  dispatched  seven water engines  with  aerial  ladders,  foam  and  tractors  that  are  compacting  dirt,  while  on-the-ground personnel continue to monitor the situation.

The National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA)  in addition to regular licensed private air quality monitoring systems,  has established seven  other points strategically located at Hope Road and  Hope  Pastures,  Cross  Roads,  Portmore,  Spanish  Town  Road,  Washington  Gardens  and  Red Hills (measuring Particulate Matter: volatile organics 2.5).

The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) and the Ministry of Health are advising that persons who continue to be affected by the fire adhere to this advisory:

• Avoid or reduce exposure to smoke by closing window and doors and remain indoors as much as possible. This is especially so for those persons who suffer from allergies, asthma and other respiratory conditions; and elderly and young.
• Cover nose and mouth with a clean wet rag or cloth to minimize effects of the smoke.
• Avoid exposing laundry outdoors since these can become contaminated, stained and foul smelling.
• Visit the nearest health facility or doctor if they start having shortness of breath, wheezing or severe coughing, especially those with respiratory illnesses.

The ODPEM will continue to monitor the situation and issue bulletins as necessary.

For further information on health advice and issues dial toll free 1888 663 5683