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Fire engulfs Pockwood Pond dumpsite this morning Dec 9, 2023

December 9th, 2023 | Tags: Pockwood Pond Virgin Islands fire Tortola smoke
Waste Management Director Mr. Marcus E. Solomon has told our newsroom that at around 4:00 am, this morning Saturday, December 9, 2023, the Pockwood Pond Dumpsite garbage tipping area located on the main island of Tortola, caught on fire. Photo: Team of Reporters
The Director noted that at this time, “the fire extremity has moved from high to moderate.” The fire was likely caused by the older garbage heat, which caused a number of combustion which was heard on site and spread to the entire garbage load. Photo: Team of Reporters
The Director noted that at this time, “the fire extremity has moved from high to moderate.” The fire was likely caused by the older garbage heat, which caused a number of combustion which was heard on site and spread to the entire garbage load. Photo: Team of Reporters
Some residents in the USVI have reported to our newsroom that smoke from the fire has also spread to St. John and small areas of St. Thomas. Photo: Team of Reporters
Some residents in the USVI have reported to our newsroom that smoke from the fire has also spread to St. John and small areas of St. Thomas. Photo: Team of Reporters
POCKWOOD POND, Tortola, VI - Waste Management Director Mr. Marcus E. Solomon has told our newsroom that at around 4:00 am, this morning Saturday, December 9, 2023, the Pockwood Pond dumpsite garbage tipping area located on the main island of Tortola, caught on fire.

He noted that the fire service was alerted however, “the fire spread to the BVI Electricity Corporation, but it was quickly attended to by the fire services.” 

The Director noted that at this time, “the fire extremity has moved from high to moderate.” The fire was likely caused by the older garbage heat, which caused several combustions heard on site and eventually spread to the entire garbage load.

Mr. Solomon added that the Department of Waste Management (DWM) and the Fire and Rescue Services continue to monitor and try to extinguish the fire. None of the DWM equipment was damaged according to Mr. Solomon, however, he asked that the public take the necessary health precautions.

Western side of Tortola and parts of USVI affected

Meanwhile, Jr Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries, and First District Representative, Dr the Hon Karl Dawson told his people that, “for those of you awakening to the smell of smoke, like me, there is a waste fire at Pockwood Pond."

"It is not a landfill fire, but a fire in the waste area alongside the building where the trucks dump before the material is transported up the hill to the landfill. Fire and Rescue are on site and working to contain and extinguish the blaze.”

Hon Dawson added that, “Currently, the fire and smoke are trending up the hill towards the west and northwest, which is bad for persons living here but it is at the moment preserving the building, the destruction of which would pose long-term difficulties.”

Smoke reportedly reached USVI

Some residents in the USVI have reported to our newsroom that smoke from the fire has also spread to St. John and small areas of St. Thomas.

Minister for Health and Social Development, Hon. Vincent O. Wheatley (R9) could not be reached for comments. It is believed he is in transit on his way back to the Territory from the COP 28 United Nations Climate Change Summit held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

However, both Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) and Dr Dawson are said to be keeping residents up to date on the situation.

34 Responses to “Fire engulfs Pockwood Pond dumpsite this morning Dec 9, 2023”

  • asura (09/12/2023, 09:37) Like (7) Dislike (14) Reply
    see the trip was important as these situations affects us all
    • @asura (09/12/2023, 11:16) Like (28) Dislike (3) Reply
      You need to travel somewhere to a meeting for somebody to tell you that drinking a bottle of poison is going to kill you? The trip come and gone Did the trip fix the issue??? Please speak like you got some level of sense in you.
  • WOW (09/12/2023, 10:15) Like (24) Dislike (1) Reply
    Incompetence to its best
    Incredible
  • Local (09/12/2023, 10:21) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
    Sorry for them wild dogs upthere. Their food up in smoke.
    • @local (09/12/2023, 20:48) Like (6) Dislike (4) Reply
      The wild/stray dogs will be just fine, I live in the area and I put dry food out or cook food and set out for the dogs. I have a lot of fish scraps in my freezer that I cook with corn meal or rice and set out for the stray dogs.
  • WEW (09/12/2023, 10:28) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
    somethings never change.
  • bvi (09/12/2023, 10:46) Like (21) Dislike (0) Reply
    They need to do a better job managing this site. Everyone driving by this week could see the pile of trash was higher then the building its self. who is the manager there? Hold them responsible
    • NICK (10/12/2023, 02:26) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
      Indeed everyone saw it. The truth is when it gets to that high and uncontrollable, it seems like someone gets paid to set it ablaze. Easiest way to get rid of it at the expense of Westside people.

      But I do not understand why the West people taking this so lightly while they are being poisoned and dying one by one.

      This deserves a class action law suit.
  • See (09/12/2023, 11:19) Like (16) Dislike (3) Reply
    Hey let's go independent ! Lol
    • Take Over (10/12/2023, 02:39) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
      UK please take the wheel. These children can't manage their own piss. Independence will be worse, bc no one can tell the air heads anything then.
  • Wait (09/12/2023, 11:21) Like (10) Dislike (1) Reply
    They was testing the smoker for Another Level across the street. Can't wait to slap that smoked salmon on my plate. Yummm
  • ft (09/12/2023, 11:23) Like (17) Dislike (0) Reply
    It is a killer. We need to learn to sue the government for failing to take car the health of the people . They have a duty of care towards the citizens and they fail to deliver on that. Class action law suit.
    • Yes (09/12/2023, 17:12) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
      100% CORRECT. And the good people of St John I am sure will join in with the lawsuit as their health is being effected as well.
  • Yes (09/12/2023, 11:44) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
    We from West End should just sue the government.
    Your not tired ,every weekend we have to hide in the house.
    Unacceptable
  • @ yes (09/12/2023, 12:29) Like (15) Dislike (1) Reply
    The people of West End need to slap a lawsuit on the Government. I would not be surprise if the residents of St. John don’t file a lawsuit against the BVI as well. They are tired of the toxic smoke .
    • Sue all you want (10/12/2023, 02:31) Like (1) Dislike (4) Reply
      Unfortunately, the people of West End will not get through. First it takes money. Lawyers around here do not defend until they get all their money. Lawyers in the US defend especially when the case is so clear cut and when they will they collect big time.

      Besides the majority of the Lawyers in the BVI in bed with the Government. That is where they are getting their bread and butter so not one will go up against them.
  • NB (09/12/2023, 12:48) Like (12) Dislike (4) Reply
    Dear BVI folks, I say this with utmost respect for your country and your people. Have you all seen the pictures of the dump site? It look like Gaza burning, a war stricken zone, or a slum like some of the poorest countries. It’s sickening and heartbreaking. Now, people please stop jumping on other nationalities living amongst you and their countries and calling them all kinda things. Yall doing it too often and with a lot of hate towards these expats who live and tolerate just like you or even worse. Please a beg ayo come together and vote for competent and caring people who will fix your country for you and work in your best interest. Until then this is just another example to stop throwing stones if ayo live in glass house. Somebody, anybody can give one good reason why something as critical as this, with all the technology available why is this an issue? This is a matter of life and death. Ayo come for me.
  • Hum (09/12/2023, 12:55) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
    Keep travelling Mr 1er
  • lol (09/12/2023, 13:03) Like (6) Dislike (6) Reply
    Helloooooo, I’m calling to place an order of barbecue DUMP STYLE GRILL CHICKEN THAT WAS MARINATED IN TOXIC DUMP SITE WASTE.
  • Stupidity (09/12/2023, 14:17) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
    The fact that Karl Dawson believes that waste that is on fire near the dump truck and buildings is any better than waste that is on fire in their destined landfill area is beyond me!
  • People wake your …..up (09/12/2023, 15:24) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
    Hate to say it but one day that dump is going to catch fire and spread out of control on the Island. Does the BVI have an Environmental Protection Agency?
    • Agree (09/12/2023, 22:35) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
      Doesnt even have to spread far to take out the countries entire electricity generating capability
    • West Gal (10/12/2023, 02:35) Like (6) Dislike (3) Reply
      I want it get out of control and catch that fuel tank across the road, that is the only time they will hear our f#%!ing cries.
  • Asking For Myself (09/12/2023, 16:05) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Where is the new waste management man from Trini?
  • musa (09/12/2023, 17:41) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    Home owners and rentals ,test your water
    • @musa (09/12/2023, 19:45) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      Great point, I would be testing my water if I lived in that area especially if I have children.
  • Local (09/12/2023, 18:23) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
    AH THINK YO GAH IT WRONG , THE DOGS WILL BE ENJOYING A LITTLE BAR B -Q GOR THE X MAS ????
  • omg (09/12/2023, 21:26) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    Our country is falling apart before our eyes and our so called leaders appear to be clueless. Things are going from bad to worse.
  • lol (09/12/2023, 23:15) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    The travelling man ain’t got time for that
  • Correction (10/12/2023, 08:44) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    @ LOCAL , YES I THINK U GOT WRONG , THEM DOGS IS GOING TO ENJOY AN EARLY X MAS BAR - B - Q ( I HOPE IT AINT HAVE IN ANY HUMAN REMAINS / I AINT HEAR ANYONE MISSING , SO HOPEFULLY THERE'S ISN'T ANY / AND HOPEFULLY WE CAN ALL HAVE PEACEFUL X MAS , WITHOUT ANYMORE KILLINGS ????????
  • Biochar appropriate waste (10/12/2023, 20:59) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    The waste that is appropriate can be turned into biochar, as opposed to burnt, reducing emissions. All food and landscape waste can be turned into biochar. No smoke is produced during biochar preparation.


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