The affected area covers approximately 200 by 200 metres, amounting to around four hectares. A submersible pump and a water cannon are among the equipment being used in the operation. Firefighting water is transported to the fire area through fire hoses over a distance of approximately 600 metres.
The firefighters are working in shifts in order to continue the operation responsibly. Although the situation is now reasonably under control, it is expected that it may take another three to four days before the fire is fully extinguished.
Fire service was initially not to be deployed
As Key News reported on Monday, October 26, it was initially stated that the fire service would not be deployed to the landfill site. This was related to the fire service’s previously adopted position regarding the recurring fires at Ornamibo.
Minister Harish Monorath of Justice and Security had previously expressed his understanding of the fire service’s restraint. According to the minister, it is not responsible to repeatedly expose firefighters to harmful smoke for days at a time, while another fire breaks out shortly after the blaze has been extinguished.
In addition, according to the minister, the service faces a shortage of deployable fire engines, personnel and other resources. Monorath stressed at the time that the fire service may still decide to deploy in the event of serious fires.
District commissioner involved agencies
The new fire and the smoke nuisance prompted district commissioner Ernesto Muller of Wanica-Zuidoost to consult with various relevant agencies.
Muller announced that he and acting director Anwar Moenne of Openbaar Groen en Afvalverwerking (Public Greenery and Waste Processing) were working on tackling the fire. The district commissioner stressed the need for a structural solution to the recurring fires at the landfill site.
Pending measures, local residents were advised to keep windows and doors closed as much as possible and limit exposure to the smoke.
Despite the initial announcement that the fire service would not be deployed, support was later still promised. Employees of Openbaar Groen en Afvalverwerking were to dig trenches, among other things, to prevent the further spread of the fire.
On Tuesday, October 27, it became clear that firefighters, together with employees of Openbaar Groen en Afvalbeheer, had begun fighting the fire. Water cannons were used and firefighting water was pumped from the Parakreek.
Jogi raised alarm over smoke nuisance
The fire at Ornamibo also led to concern in De Nationale Assemblée (Suriname’s parliament). Parliamentarian Mahinder Jogi expressed his concerns on Tuesday about the consequences for local residents.
In an earlier Key News publication, Jogi stated that daily life in the area had been severely affected by the smoke.
“Life has become impossible,” said the DNA member. According to him, the stench and smoke were barely bearable. He warned of possible health problems and urged the government to take measures.
Monorath wants to discuss fire service shortages with president
The recurring fires have also once again drawn attention to the problems facing the fire service.
Minister Monorath stated on Tuesday, October 27, that he wants to discuss the personnel and material shortages at the fire service with the Kabinet van de President (Office of the President).
As Key News reported on October 28, this includes the shortage of fire engines, the availability of personnel, additional overtime and personal protective equipment for firefighters.
According to Monorath, choices must constantly be made when deploying limited resources. When a fire engine is sent to Ornamibo from another service area, this may affect the availability of fire service assistance elsewhere.
The minister also believes that the managers of the landfill site should take more responsibility to prevent new fires.
Major fire at Ornamibo also in August
The current fire is not an isolated incident. In August, the landfill site was also hit by a major fire, requiring the fire service to respond for an extended period.
Key News reported on August 11 that several fire service units had been deployed to bring the fire under control. The smoke then spread through surrounding residential areas.
Fire service spokesperson Olton Pinas explained at the time that fighting fires at a landfill site is particularly difficult because waste can continue smouldering below the surface.
The article ‘Smoke at Ornamibo may persist for days despite disappearance of large flames’ also addressed the persistent smoke and the problems faced by the fire service in such fires.
Structural measures remain necessary
The recurring fires at Ornamibo once again raise questions about the management of the landfill site, supervision of the grounds and measures to prevent fires.
For now, the focus is on completely extinguishing the current fire. The fire service continues to closely monitor the situation and will continue its work until the fire has been fully extinguished.
It is not yet known what structural measures the responsible agencies will take to prevent a recurrence.
