DFEMS battles massive fire up north

The Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services faced a massive fire up north which was reported last Tuesday afternoon and remained active as of 7pm press time.

Yesterday, massive clouds of smoke could be seen from Garapan as a result of the massive forest fire that started around Mt. Susu and travelled farther north to Wireless Ridge.

Saipan Tribune learned that as of 7pm press time, the fire had yet to be extinguished and it was last observed pushing toward the Kingfisher Golf Links area. Fortunately, during this time the speed of which the fire was travelling had slowed as rain started to fall.

According to a press release issued by DFEMS, at around 3:21pm on April 2, Tuesday, a female caller reported that she could see visible smoke around Mt. Susu on Capitol Hill.

At around 3:25pm DFEMS personnel in the area saw heavy black smoke while passing Isa Villas and at 3:30pm, the fire was spotted from a look out point at Mt. Susu. There, visible flames were seen in the valley between Mt. Susu and Chalan Matuis Road.

Multiple DFEMS personnel and units were posted at this lookout point throughout the night and also made spot checks along Chalan Matuis Road to see the path of the fire.

At around 12:30am on April 3, the fire made its way up the ridge and toward the top of Mt. Susu.

At 5:40am, DFEMS said the fire looked like it started to die down as only small spot fires were still burning which allowed DFEMS personnel to make their way down into the valley to assess the situation.

However, at around 12pm yesterday, the winds picked up speed and helped move the fire towards Wireless Ridge.

“DFEMS Engine, Forestry, and other units are currently battling this fire. We urge the public to remain indoors if they have any Respiratory Health issues and avoid the smoke and ashes coming from the fire. Most of the affected areas of smoke and ash are Capitol Hill, Garapan, San Roque, and As Matuis. Once again DFEMS is battling this fire and will push out more information once it is under control and contained,” DFEMS states.

The CNMI Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, in coordination with the Commonwealth Healthcare Corp., has also issued a press release in relation to the fire and is advising all residents and visitors, especially those with asthma, chronic conditions, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, other pre-existing respiratory conditions, children, or are pregnant to minimize time outdoors and avoid being outdoors when smoke is visible or can be smelled.

If being outdoors is necessary, people are encouraged to consider wearing an N95 facemask to reduce smoke exposure.

“If you have a medical condition like asthma, COPD, or metabolic and cardiovascular disease that puts you at risk for a severe outcome from wildfire smoke exposure, monitor your symptoms, seek medical care when needed, and ensure that your prescriptions are up-to-date and that you have an adequate supply on hand. Symptoms to watch out for: wheezing, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, chest heaviness, light-headedness, dizziness. If symptoms are not relieved by usual medication, seek medical attention. Contact your physician for any questions or concerns. As local authorities closely monitor the scene residents are encouraged to stay informed, remain vigilant, and follow safety guidelines issued by emergency officials,” said HSEM.