Landfill Fire: Government Building Closed Monday. Services suspended

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Prime Minister of Sint Maarten Leona Romeo Marlin

 

GREAT BAY, Sint Maarten (DCOMM) – The fire at the Pond Island landfill has grown and Prime Minister Leona Romeo Marlin has decided to close the Government Administration Building forMonday, February 5.

Civil servants who work in the Government Administration Building are not to report to work due to the heavy smoke in the area.  This means that government services out of the building are closed for Monday, February 5.  The Prime Minister apologizes to those who may have had appointments scheduled for Monday for any inconvenience that this may cause.

The access roads to Pond Island via the Soualiga Boulevard has been closed.

The Fire Department from the North side of the island has been requested to assists the fire authorities on the South side of the island.

Additional information will be forthcoming during the next few hours.

The Fire Department, is advising persons living downwind from the landfill fire, to close windows and doors, especially persons who have a respiratory challenge such as asthma, or shortness of breath.

The Fire Department along with the company responsible for the management of the landfill are working diligently to extinguish the fire.