(Reuters) – A large blaze at a garbage dump outside Panama City blew a toxic smoke in the country’s capital on Friday, forcing evacuations as firefighters battled to put out the flames that authorities said were likely caused by arson the night before.
During a press conference, firefighters stated that the garbage dump, known as Cerro Patacon, was the largest in the country and had between 6 and 8 hectares (15-20 acres) affected by the fire out of its more than 130 (321 acres).
Firefighter chief Ernesto de Leon said, “Everything points to the fire being started deliberately,” during the press conference.
Health Minister Luis Francisco Sucre informed reporters that evacuations were taking place to protect residents from the flames and toxic gases. Health centers were also being set up to treat cases of visual irritation and respiratory problems.
He advised vulnerable people in affected areas to move or to use air conditioning and face masks to protect themselves.
Videos on social media showed a helicopter flying above the thick gray smoke spraying down water as birds scatter overhead.
The fire department’s Lieutenant Angel Delgado, as reported by local outlet La Prensa, mentioned that some $350,000 had already been spent on the disaster, with the figure possibly exceeding half a million.
Authorities told reporters that since 6 a.m., some 7,360 gallons (around 28,000 liters) of water have been sprayed over the area. They said that about 60% of the blaze was under control and could reach 90% by Saturday.
President Laurentino Cortizo said on X that an action plan had been activated “from the moment the fire broke out.”
Though authorities had been evicting the around 75 families that live in the immediate area since Thursday night, outlet La Prensa said, many had refused to leave their often makeshift homes.
According to local media, at least 15 fires broke out at Cerro Patacon over 2023.
(Reporting by Sarah Morland and Valentine Hilaire; Editing by Sandra Maler)
