Last Monday a fire broke out at the garbage dump, producing a lot of smoke. According to Pinas, fire trucks and firefighters from three fire stations were deployed. Excavators have also been deployed to dig trenches in an attempt to keep the fire from spreading. Sand is also being dumped on the flames to put the fire out. “It is not clear yet when the fire will be extinguished entirely. The open fire has been put out for the large part. But under the huge tiwers of garbage fire is still smoldering. The smoke will persist for a couple more days,” said the spokesman. The district commissioner of Wanica South East, Ernesto Muller, explained that there are often fires at Ornamibo and that the surrounding area faces the consequences. He therefore pleads for preventative measures. DC Muller has asked the Fire Department Suriname (KBS) and the Ministry of Public Works to place water hoses and sprinklers to keep parts of the terrain wet and to keep small fires from spreading. He also made it clear that he is no longer in favor of keeping Ornamibo open. “I think that it is time for us to process our garbage in an environment friendly manner,” said DC Muller who added that “the current situation is not good for agriculture, stockbreeding, the environment and the health of people.” DC Muller advises local residents to keep their windows and doors closed to keep the smoke out. People who have to go outside must wear a surgical mask and those with difficulty breathing must see a doctor or go to the Emergency Room as soon as possible. DC Muller pointed out that the National Environment Authority and the National Coordination Center for Disaster Control (NCCR) were notified of the fire last Monday night. “We are leaving nothing to chance,” said DC Muller. It is not clear how the fire started but it is expected that it was arson. “But there no security cameras so it cannot be confirmed.”