A FIRE at Lautoka’s Vunato Dump Site has spread to another section of the landfill, with strong winds and prolonged dry weather hampering efforts to bring it under control.
Lautoka City Council acting CEO Taitusi Rasoki said the fire broke out around midday on Sunday, prompting the council to immediately mobilise resources to contain it.
“It was low tide and nearby water canals were dry, so the council could not draw water from nearby water canals to extinguish the fire,” Mr Rasoki said.
He said the National Fire Authority was called in for assistance, with two fire trucks deployed for about three hours.
“Due to windy conditions and a long spell of dry weather, the fire spread very quickly to another section of landfill.”
Mr Rasoki said two water-carting trucks were operating continuously, refilling from Waiyavi Creek, while two water pumps had been deployed to draw water from nearby canals.
“Twelve staff members are working on 10 to 12-hour shifts around the clock.”
He acknowledged that smoke from the fire was affecting the city and surrounding communities, depending on wind direction.
“Efforts are now focused on preventing fire from spreading to other three sections and controlling the smoke. “Controlling a landfill fire is very challenging compared to bush or property fire due to different underground layers of aged rubbish. Hence, it is expected to take a bit of time before the fire outbreak is brought under full control.”
Mr Rasoki alleged that individuals illegally entering the dump site after hours to collect scrap metal had deliberately started it.
