More smoke from Riverton this week

While Government officials are expressing confidence that the fire at the Riverton City dump will be out by today, persons on the scene yesterday told our news team that it could be well into this week before the blaze is finally smothered.

Yesterday, director general of the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), Major Clive Davis, declared that significant progress has been realised in the attempt to out the fire, but stayed away from any predictions as to when the dump would stop burning.

"The ODPEM acknowledges reports from members of the public regarding lingering smoke cover in areas such as Portmore and parts of Kingston and St Andrew. It is important to note that based on the depth, size and magnitude of the fire, some smoke could still be evident even after the fire has been extinguished," said Davis.

"I know that the Jamaica Fire Brigade team is also contending with menacing changes in wind directions and speeds, which can influence the movement and concentration of smoke. The team continues to work to return the situation to normality," added Davis.

He said the National Emergency Operations Centre located at the ODPEM will remain active on the weekend, and urged members of the public to observe safety tips to minimise their exposure to the effects of the smoke.