Puerto Rico’s National Guard Battles Raging Landfill Fire in U.S. Virgin Islands
A blazing landfill in the U.S. Virgin Islands has drawn Puerto Rico’s National Guard into action. The fiery ordeal has been ongoing for over a week, causing schools and businesses to shut their doors, as officials announced on Friday.
In a dramatic display of solidarity, helicopters swiftly descended to scoop up seawater, joining the fight against the flames at the Bovoni landfill on St. Thomas Island. The situation became so dire that U.S. Virgin Islands Governor Albert Bryan had to declare a state of emergency earlier this week.
During their mission, Puerto Rico’s National Guard delivered a staggering 60,000 gallons of water. Simultaneously, the U.S. Virgin Islands National Guard contributed by pouring over 11,000 gallons onto the fiery inferno.
The Fiery Genesis
According to local newspaper, The Virgin Islands Daily News, this fierce fire unexpectedly ignited on September 14th. The flames found their start in an area piled with mulched vegetation collected after hurricanes Irma and Maria ravaged the region back in 2017.
Officials have issued a stern warning to residents living near the landfill – stay indoors. There’s a looming concern about potential water contamination as this battle against the blaze unfolds.