Suspected arson sparks late night fires at Riverton Dump

Firefighters battled flames at the Riverton City Disposal Site late Thursday night after two separate fires broke out at the sprawling dump, raising suspicions of possible arson.

The National Solid Waste Management Authority confirmed that the fires were detected shortly after 11 p.m. in different sections of the St Andrew facility, the country's largest waste disposal site.

In a statement on Friday, the NSWMA said early observations suggest the blaze may have been deliberately set.

"Based on preliminary observations, including the manner in which the fire started and the speed at which it spread, there is reason to believe it may have been deliberately set," the agency said.

However, the authority stressed that it will await the outcome of a full investigation before drawing any final conclusions.

The Jamaica Fire Brigade was immediately alerted, and firefighters were dispatched to the location within minutes of the report.

According to the NSWMA, priority has been given to containing the flames and preventing further spread across the dump, which has been the site of several major fires over the years.

"Containment efforts are ongoing and there are enough cover materials, trucks and heavy-duty equipment and capable personnel on site," the statement added.

Investigations into the cause of the fires are continuing.

We want to hear from you! Email us at star@gleanerjm.com and follow @thejamaicastar on Instagram and on X @JamaicaStar and on Facebook: @TheJamaicaStar, or on Whatsapp @ 876-550-250