Landfill fire still burning, though less intense

The Haags Bosch Landfill fire continues to burn, though the intensity of the fire is less, almost a week since it started and garbage disposal at the facility remains at a standstill.

It was reported that the fire at the landfill behind the Eccles Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara, started sometime on Sunday afternoon. It has been blazing throughout the week, sending thick smoke throughout the community.

When Stabroek News visited the community yesterday, the smoke had been greatly reduced and it was related that while the fire was not completely out, fire fighters and landfill workers were able to bring it down to a somewhat manageable level.

With access to the site restricted, garbage disposal companies have been utilizing the site at Lusignan to dispose of their waste.

Meanwhile, residents of the area are pleased to finally have some relief from the heavy smoke and hope that in the coming days the fire will be extinguished completely. “It was really bad the first couple of days but it has gone down a lot and we are thankful for that. All the clothes used to be smelling of smoke and you had to keep all your windows locked and what’s not,” one of the residents said.