ST JAMES, Jamaica — Western Parks and Markets (WPM) Waste Management says it is currently responding to a fire at the Retirement Disposal site tipping area.

In a statement on Thursday, the agency said the blaze is believed to have started from material delivered by a waste collection truck on Wednesday, July 8.

It said an alarm was raised immediately after the fire was detected, prompting on-site workers to alert the site supervisor and initiate emergency response measures. Initial firefighting efforts were carried out using available equipment, including WPM’s newly commissioned water truck. However, the agency said strong winds have complicated efforts to contain the blaze.

“At present, approximately 100 metres along the circumference of the tipping phase has been affected. WPM crews remain on-site and are working alongside the Jamaica Fire Brigade to bring the situation under control. Tipper trucks are transporting stockpiled cover material to the affected area to assist in smothering the fire and preventing its further spread,” the agency said.

National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) Deputy Executive Director, Sheenique Johnson, has instructed Director of Landfill Dave Powell, who is at the site, to spare no effort in bringing the situation under control as quickly as possible.

The NSWMA said it will continue to closely monitor the situation.