Fire authorities today interrupted the continuing fight at the garbage dump when they responded to a fire that broke out on the Western Highway. Shortly after 3 they were called out to a residence at mile 1 ½ on the Western Highway where a two-storey structure was engulfed in flames. Deputy Fire Chief Ted Smith told us it was a small, but easily controlled fire.
Ted Smith, Deputy Fire Chief
"On our arrival the entire upper structure, and part of the lower flat, was engulfed in flames. We received this call at 15:04 and at 15:10 the first truck arrived on the scene here today and that was the condition the truck reported back to us. We deployed a few other trucks and contained this fire but not before it gutted this entire structure. We understand that it was occupied by an elderly lady. We do not know what may have caused this fire at this time; we haven't yet started the investigation. However as soon as the firefight is completed, we will commence or start the investigation to determine the origin and cause of this fire."
Alfonso Noble,
Was anybody at home at the time?
Ted Smith,
"At this point, I do not know. We are focusing right now on finishing the extinguishment of this fire."
The occupants and the owner of the home are yet to be identified. Just a couple of miles away from that small house fire, the garbage dump was still burning. The good news is they have made progress and Deputy Fire Chief Smith told us how their work is progressing.
Ted Smith, Deputy Fire Chief
"Fire fighting has improved in our favor tremendously, especially the wind direction right now, and we have gained tremendous ground on the area. I am not aware if you've been out there most recently, such as yesterday or today, but if you have a chance you can take a look out there and see the tremendous work that has been accomplished. The fire fighting still continues to finish with that area and we remain hopeful that it will be accomplished shortly."
The garbage dump fire started over the Easter weekend and it has been burning since.
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