Playa del Carmen, Q.R. — Solidaridad firemen still need a few days to fully extinguish a construction garbage fire that has been burning for nearly a week.
Firefighters along with personnel from real estate developer CADU continue their efforts to combat the large garbage fire. Due to ongoing issues with the site, the development has been closed by the city.
Over the past week, residents in nearby Villas del Sol have suffered thick intoxicating smoke pollution due to the illegal burning. The real estate company set fire to the large mound of construction garbage last week that was shut down by municipal authorities the following day, however, the mound continues to burn.
A Cadu executive, identified only as Gerardo “N”, said the mound of material was already on the property when they acquired it and that the fire self-started due to a magnifying effect.
Playa del Carmen firemen have been on scene for days trying to put out the smoky fire that continues to pollute air in the southwest region of the municipality. Water from onsite wells are being used to try and permanently extinguish the stubborn fire which has been burning since August 3.
Photo: Sría de Protección Civil, Prevención de Riesgos y Bomberos de Solidaridad
Judith Matos, the Municipal Solidaridad Director of Government, confirmed new closure seals and said a fine will be issued since the company violated the first closure seals.
According to Matos, after a meeting with the company’s executives, their legal representative agreed to pay the medical expenses of the people who suffered respiratory illnesses as a result of the smoke.
She also said that the City Council is preparing the corresponding fine, which is likely to be very high given the degree of damage caused to area residents.
