Oct. 19, 2004 – Although residents on St. John's eastern end occasionally get a whiff of smoke from the Pockwood landfill fire on Tortola, the problem is much less than it was last week.
"The wind is blowing in the other direction," East End resident Terry McKoy said Tuesday.
Planning and Natural Resources Commissioner Dean Plaskett said in a news release issued Monday that he expects the fire to burn out this week. It has been burning for two weeks.
Plaskett said earlier that fire's fuel contained mainly construction debris and yard waste such as tree trimmings and branches. He has said the 50-foot-high pile "was not expected to contain any hazardous material."
No one could be reached at the Public Works Department in Tortola for more information.
Plaskett said that young children, older people and people with lung diseases and allergies should stay inside or relocate to an area not affected by the smoke.
He said people who experience medical problems related to the fire should see their doctor.
Erica McDonald, administrator at the Myrah Keating Smith Community Health Center, said that she's not aware of any medical complaints related to the fire.
Planning spokesman Jamal Nielsen could not be reached for further comment.
Call Planning at 774-3320 or 773-1082 for more information.
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