An explosion had reportedly resulted in a massive fire.

Explosion rocked facility on February 14, 2022

A report indicated that, according to the Assistant Manager of Solid Waste Department, Anslem Myers, "the fire took place after 2:00 a.m. following the explosion inside of the incinerator facility where the garbage is stored for incineration.

“The fire escalated very quickly. Our workers tried to contain the fire but were unable to,” Mr Myers explained.

Hon Malone, speaking on the February 22, 2022, edition of VIP Let's Talk, said an illegally placed canister seems to have sparked the explosion and resulted in the fire.

He said the fire caused damages to the control panel, conveyor belt, and to other pieces of equipment at the incinerator.

Hon Malone speaking on the February 22, 2022, edition of VIP radio said an illegally placed cannister seem to have sparked the explosion and resulted in the fire with damages to the control panel, conveyor belt, and to other pieces of equipment.

Gov't looking at tertiary options - Hon Malone

The Health Minister said authorities, therefore, are looking at proposals for a tertiary treatment option via new technologies that could provide a golden opportunity for a recycling programme in the territory.

He said Government will also look into pushing legislation to reduce waste, particularly items like plastics, styrofoam and tires, batteries and wood.

“In the interim...we are looking in terms of two or three companies getting a quick bid, so that we can then decide [on] this skid mounted mobile incinerators, we have located some companies that can manufacture these,” he said.

He said the mobile incinerators will then be placed on Virgin Gorda and Tortola and when a permanent facility is then built on Tortola, then the mobile incinerators will move to Anegada and Jost van Dyke.

A skid mount incinerator.

Public urged to separate garbage

In the Interim, Hon Malone called for persons to be responsible by separating their garbage to control what goes into the stream.

This is not the first time fire has affected operations at the Pockwood Pond facility. Back in November 2018, a fire damaged key components of the incinerator.