HAGÅTÑA (The Guam Daily Post) — The Guam Fire Department responded Wednesday to a report of burning auto parts and debris.
About 4:14 p.m. Wednesday, units from the Guam Fire Department responded to the Tow Pro junkyard on Route 16 by Fort Juan Muna in Harmon after black smoke was sighted.
“Upon arrival, GFD units initiated extinguishment on an approximately 40-by-40 (-foot) area consisting of auto parts (and) debris,” GFD spokesperson Nick Garrido said about 5:37 p.m. Wednesday.
At the time, Garrido said the fire was under control, but the community in the area was advised to either shelter in place and shut off their air-conditioning systems or temporarily evacuate as needed because of the smoke.
Assistance from the Department of Public Works was requested to utilize DPW’s heavy equipment. The Guam Environmental Protection Agency also was notified, Garrido added.
Awareness
Earlier this month, Garrido told representatives of the media there has been an increase in abandoned vehicle fires over several weeks. He sought to spread awareness about the dangers of vehicle fires, which include:
The possibility of pistons or pressurized parts within the vehicle, which could explode and injure responders or civilians.
Smoke emitting could cause harm to nearby residents who may have medical conditions.
The many unknowns within abandoned vehicles, including items inside that may be hazardous.
The community is asked to call 911 immediately to report fires.
The Guam Fire Department responds to a fire near the Tow Pro junkyard in Harmon on Wednesday afternoon, Jan. 24, 2024.
