NSWMA investigating suspected arson at Haddon Disposal Facility
ST ANN, Jamaica — The National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) says it is currently responding to a fire at its Haddon Disposal Facility in Moneague, St Ann, which has been ongoing for approximately 48 hours.
The authority, in a press release on Wednesday, said it has mobilised its teams and equipment in collaboration with the Jamaica Fire Brigade to contain and extinguish the fire and continues to work diligently to minimise its impact on surrounding communities and the environment.
“Preliminary observations have raised serious concerns about the circumstances surrounding the outbreak. The fire was observed at approximately four separate locations within the facility, with notable intervals between the outbreaks, and the fire was subsequently spreading rapidly. These circumstances have led the authority to strongly suspect that the fire may have been deliberately set. The matter has also been reported to the Jamaica Constabulary Force in St Ann,” it said.
The NSWMA stressed that no definitive conclusion has been reached at this time. It said the matter is being treated seriously, and the authority will await the findings of the relevant investigations before making any final determination regarding the cause of the fire.
Audley Gordon, executive director of the NSWMA, stated that, “Over the last 48 hours, our teams alongside the Jamaica Fire Brigade have been working tirelessly to contain this fire. We have observed circumstances that are highly concerning and which raise the possibility of deliberate ignition. However, we are very careful not to prejudge the investigation. We will allow the relevant authorities to conduct their investigations and determine the cause.”
The NSWMA is also reminding members of the public that disposal facilities are critical components of Jamaica’s waste management infrastructure and that any deliberate act that threatens these facilities can have serious consequences for public health, the environment, workers and surrounding communities.
The authority is appealing to anyone with information that may assist in determining how the fire started to contact the relevant authorities.
