The National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) is assuring the public that it is monitoring the Retirement Disposal Site in St. James following a fire yesterday.

In a statement, NSWMA said it continues to take steps to prevent any further risk to nearby communities.

The blaze, which occurred along the edge of the disposal site, has been extinguished.

Crews covered the affected area with marl to help limit any remaining hazards.

The Jamaica Fire Brigade worked alongside NSWMA personnel to contain the fire and minimize the impact of smoke on nearby residents.

NSWMA noted that firefighting efforts were complicated by soggy conditions at the site caused by recent rainfall, which made it difficult for trucks and heavy-duty equipment to operate effectively.

The authority added that the matter is being managed at the highest level.

The cause of the fire remains unknown.