By Bryan Manabat
[email protected]
Variety News Staff
THE Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services responded Saturday afternoon to a fire at the Triple Star Recycling facility in Lower Base, where flames and thick black smoke rose from the compound.
DFEMS public information officer Robert Mojica said an emergency call was received at 1:14 p.m. on April 25. Fire trucks and emergency personnel arrived a minute later and reported flames spreading through surrounding trees, shipping containers, and part of the recycling building.
Firefighters and Department of Public Safety officers entered the facility to evacuate anyone still inside or near the burning area.
“Multiple teams were deployed to extinguish the fire as firefighters cycled in and out of the blaze,” Mojica said.
Due to low water pressure from hydrants damaged by Super Typhoon Sinlaku, DFEMS requested assistance from Aircraft Rescue Firefighting to use an ARFF tanker. The fire was brought under control and contained at 3:29 p.m.
According to DFEMS arson investigators, the fire originated in the recycling center’s junkyard on the northern side of the property. Combustible materials — including debris, vehicle parts, household waste, and used vehicles — allowed the fire to spread rapidly toward the southern and eastern sections.
Investigators determined the blaze began from a controlled burn in a metal pit. Embers ignited nearby materials, causing the fire to spread beyond the responsible individual’s intent. The incident was classified as accidental.
The Lower Base fire occurred just days after DFEMS responded to another blaze on April 21 in Kagman III, where a semi-concrete duplex with a tin roof burned for nearly two hours before being brought under control.
DFEMS reminded the public that an open burning prohibition remains in effect due to dry vegetation, limited water sources, and heightened fire risk following Super Typhoon Sinlaku. All forms of open burning — including trash, yard waste, agricultural burning, and open pit fires—are strictly prohibited until further notice.
Residents are urged to properly dispose of green waste through approved services, avoid activities that may create sparks or open flames, and report any signs of fire immediately. Violations may result in fines, penalties, or legal action.
Bryan Manabat was a liberal arts student of Northern Marianas College where he also studied criminal justice. He is the recipient of the NMI Humanities Award as an Outstanding Teacher (Non-Classroom) in 2013, and has worked for the CNMI Motheread/Fatheread Literacy Program as lead facilitator.
