A massive fire that broke out in Paraquita Bay shortly after 7pm last night, completely engulfing an area filled with bales of plastic bottles and aluminum.
According to Green VI, the fire was “mysteriously started in dry bush that was being stored for chipping into mulch for farmers” and simultaneously used to organize 98 bales of plastic recyclables and 8 bales of aluminum which was completely destroyed in the fire. The combustibles were due to be exported.
The statement released by Green VI stated that the loss is devastating. “This represents many months of hard work, and we are saddened by the set-back.”
At the time of the fire, the dense smoke plume could be seen from miles away. While there was no reported damage to both the “We Recycle” Center and H. Lavity Stoutt Community College which sits in close proximity, the air across the Paraquita Bay area is now heavily polluted. Ms. Penny said “the detrimental effect of the smoke from the burning plastic is, of course, heartbreaking.”
Burnt plastic is a serious health concern as it emits dangerous levels of carbon dioxide into the air. When black carbon is emitted, there also tends to be other particulate matter emissions, which can have a significant impact on health, causing respiratory problems, heart disease and brain cancer.
According to reports, several firefighters were deployed to the scene but the fire was still difficult to extinguish.
Officers of the Virgin Islands Fire and Rescue Services are yet to confirm the official cause of the fire.
Thankfully, no one was injured in the ordeal.
