Marshall Road Fire Still Burning

Wed, Nov 14th 2012, 08:57 AM

Police said last night they were still trying to extinguish a fire at the Marshall Road Derelict Vehicle Disposal site, but the blaze was contained in the northern section of the property. Superintendent Walter Evans, director of fire services, said the fire was not posing a major threat. Evans said the height of the flames had been significantly reduced since Monday night. Last night, two fire trucks and several firefighters were still at the site. This is the third time fire has swept through the property, engulfing hundreds of pounds of waste and scrap metal.

More than a dozen firefighters battled the fierce flames well into the night on Monday. As The Nassau Guardian arrived on the scene dark smoke hung over the street and surrounding homes in the area, as crackling orange flames rose over 20 feet high. On Monday night, police officers and emergency medical personnel went door to door to advise residents on precautionary measures such as disconnecting their propane tanks. An ambulance on standby transported an elderly woman suffering from smoke inhalation from her home to receive treatment.

For many residents of nearby Misty Gardens, fires are a recurring problem. Most residents remained indoors but the few who stayed outside said they have seen this too many times. Barbara Rolle, an Olecart Road resident of 12 years and mother of two, said in the last year alone there have been three or four major fires at the site. "I'm just concerned that something is going to happen to my home because this happens frequently," Rolle said. "...When the smoke is like this embers are blown this way that can land on the roof and start a fire." Keithtell Culmer, a Misty Gardens resident of two years, said the smoke and fumes will continue to fill her home for days to come.

"I'm very concerned because just last week there was a fire," she said. "...The smoke just isn't healthy at all." Minister of the Environment and Southern Shores MP Kendred Dorsett was also on the scene on Monday night. "This is an issue that has been a pressing and vexing one for the residents for well over 10, 15 years," said Dorsett just a few feet from the blaze. "...During my campaign I promised the people of Misty Gardens there would be a relocation of this operation. "Interestingly, just last week I had discussions with the operator of this facility regarding the relocation and it's only sad, a week later we experience this kind of fire."

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