Neighbours want B’s relocated

The latest fire at B’s Recycling in Cane Garden, St Thomas, has prompted some nearby residents to reiterate their call to have the plant relocated.

Investigations are ongoing after a fire broke out Thursday around 2:15 p.m. and continued into the night. Emergency officials brought it under control around 10 p.m.

Heavy smoke

The incident prompted the Ministry of Health and Wellness to advise that communities in the immediate environment, as well as those of Arthur Seat, Redman’s Village, Welches, Melrose, Lower Edgehill, Jackson, Clermont and Warrens, might be affected by heavy smoke.

People with asthma or other pre-existing respiratory conditions were urged to avoid those areas until conditions improved, and anyone who felt unwell was instructed to seek immediate medical attention.

Residential areas

In Melrose, Mark Morris said enough was enough, as every time a fire broke out at B’s Recycling, they paid the price.

“I don’t think it should be so close to residential areas,” he told the Saturday Sun.

He lamented the proximity of the industrial complex as well, saying he often suffered because of fumes emanating from the various automobile bodywork businesses.

“I’ve lived here since 1986 and we have to deal with all kinds of smells, but I still think B’s should move,” he said.

Another resident, who did not want to be identified, said be believed the recycling plant was in the wrong location, adding that the smoke prompted him to shut his windows.

“People here are asthmatics so I had to close up the house. I saw the smoke overhead and everybody was wondering where it was coming from.

“Every time this happens, the smoke comes cross here; it’s been six or seven times now,” he said.

A neighbour said the smoke had her feeling “uncomfortable”.

“I shut the windows, but that made it worse, so I opened them back. Every time [there is] a fire out there, it is the same thing. I saw black smoke and a smell like iron burning,” she said.

Previous fires

The woman said the smell persisted into the night but, much to her relief, was better by yesterday morning.

Anthony Campbell said he remembered the previous fires at B’s Recycling as well as the fire in the industrial complex last year, which destroyed three businesses.

“When there are fires, all the smoke comes at us. I’m just glad this time it got dealt with so quickly,” he said.

A woman, who also did not want to be named, said the smoke affected her sinuses and she thought someone was burning tyres in their yard.

Hugh Osbourne said he was asthmatic but, fortunately, was not affected. He recalled that years ago he had to evacuate his house due to a fire at B’s.

Cora Thomas, who lives along Reece Road, a short distance from the recycling plant, empathised with owner Paul Bynoe.

“He is still a young man and I like to see young people doing something meaningful. Still, the smoke was so thick I couldn’t see the houses. I said, ‘Lord, don’t let the fire take the houses’. I thank God the smoke is not around anymore and I hope the fire does not return,” she said. (CA)

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