A fire that started at the Bovoni Landfill on Thursday – and reignited Friday after it was thought to be extinguished – is now 75 percent contained, according to V.I. Fire and Emergency Medical Services, which announced that it would be suspending operations temporarily going into Saturday evening.
In a news release, the agency said the continued response from firefighters over the three days had enabled them to put out most of the fire, which had started in a vegetation debris pile, and reduce flare-ups from underlying subterranean hotspots using advanced suppression methods.
With the threat and its impact on the community minimized, the agency said it was halting its efforts temporarily into Saturday evening, but keeping a crew, trucks, and suppression materials on site in order to start again quickly on Sunday morning.
VIFEMS is urging the community, especially those who have been affected by the smoke, to stay indoors, keeping windows and doors closed if possible. Heightened caution should be taken to protect and monitor those with respiratory conditions, the release said.
“Throughout these challenging days, our firefighters’ determination and experience ensures the safety of our community. Their ceaseless efforts have not gone unnoticed. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone on the frontlines of this ongoing incident,” VIFEMS Director Daryl A. George said Saturday. “Their bravery, expertise, and coordination have been the cornerstone of our response.”
George also expressed gratitude for the help and support provided by residents.
