SAIPAN — The Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services is urging Saipan residents to stop burning green waste and trash as the agency’s call volume has reached critical levels during Typhoon Sinlaku recovery operations, a department spokesman said in a video posted Sunday.
Firefighter Robert Mojica, DFEMS public information officer, said crews are responding to call after call after call, with suppression units being pulled to assist medical units while illegal burning complaints continue to come in.
“Our call volumes have reached critical levels,” Mojica said. “We have suppression units assisting medical units, and we are doing call after call after call.”
Mojica asked residents to be patient if firefighters do not arrive within five minutes of a reported illegal burn. He said the department will respond to every complaint and will address individuals found to be starting illegal fires.
The warning comes after a fire at a recycling center in Lower Base Saturday drew water from the Puerto Rico tank, cutting supply to a community that had recently seen water service restored. Saipan is operating at roughly 45% water production capacity, and every outflow from the recovery system compounds the shortage.
Residents are asked not to burn any green waste or trash during the recovery period. To report illegal burning, call 911. DFEMS can also be reached on Facebook and Instagram at @DFMCnmi670.