On October 27 at 01:23 local time, multi-agency emergency response teams in Suriname launched extensive operations to suppress an active blaze at the Ornamibo landfill, a site that has generated hazardous smoke pollution for nearby residential communities. Firefighters are collaborating closely with staff from the Public Green Space and Waste Management departments, deploying high-pressure water cannons to target active fire hotspots. To sustain the firefighting efforts, crews are drawing water directly from the nearby Parakreek creek using specialized pumps, eliminating the need for long-distance water transport that would delay response times.
Anwar Moenne, acting director of the waste management authority, confirmed to local outlet Starnieuws that all available personnel and resources are being mobilized around the clock to bring the fire fully under control and eliminate the disruptive, health-impacting smoke exposure for surrounding residents. Formal operational agreements have been finalized with the fire department to structure ongoing suppression work, with crews scheduled to remain on site for as long as required to extinguish all remaining smoldering patches.
Parallel to suppression efforts, a formal investigation into the fire’s origin is already underway. Moenne noted that the blaze ignited in a section of the landfill where spontaneous combustion is extremely unlikely, leading officials to not rule out arson as a potential cause. “All signs point to intentional ignition at this stage,” Moenne explained, adding that investigators will review activity logs and interview potential witnesses to identify any parties responsible for starting the fire.
The acting director emphasized that full extinguishment of the blaze remains the top operational priority, to allow nearby residents to return to normal daily routines without the nuisance and health risks of constant heavy smoke. He also highlighted the extreme strain currently facing the national fire service, which has been stretched thin by a recent surge in wild and grassland fires that require crews to respond to multiple callouts every day amid a longstanding personnel shortage. Moenne extended official gratitude to all responding firefighters, praising their dedication to containing the landfill fire despite their already overwhelming workload to prevent the blaze from spreading to adjacent green spaces and residential areas.
Brandweer zet waterkanonnen in bij brand op vuilstortplaats Ornamibo
