SAIPAN — A fire that broke out Saturday afternoon at a junkyard and recycling facility in Lower Base was brought under control after a multi-unit DFEMS response complicated by the low water pressure left in Saipan’s storm-damaged system, the Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services said in a press release Sunday.
DFEMS Dispatch received a call at approximately 1:14 p.m. Saturday from the Department of Public Safety reporting a possible structure fire with heavy black smoke at Triple Star Recycling, east of the CTSI Building in Lower Base. Engine 1, Engine 2, Rescue 1, Forestry 4, Forestry 5 and Medic 2 were dispatched. Medic 2 was the first unit on scene at 1:18 p.m. and reported visible flames and heavy black smoke coming from the junkyard, surrounding trees, shipping containers and a section of the building.
Medic 2 crews, along with DPS personnel, entered the facility and evacuated anyone still inside or near the fire. Multiple teams cycled in and out of the blaze to extinguish it. Because of low water pressure at the hydrant, a direct consequence of Typhoon Sinlaku’s damage to the water system, DFEMS called in Aircraft Rescue Firefighter support and requested the ARFF Tanker 6 to supplement water supply. By 3:29 p.m., Assistant Fire Chief C. Norita reported the fire was under control and contained.
The Division of Fire Prevention and Arson Investigation responded to the scene at approximately 4:10 p.m. Lead investigator Lt. B. Manglona determined that the fire originated on the northern side of the property from a controlled burn being conducted in a metal pit. Embers from that burn ignited adjacent combustible materials — including debris, vehicle parts, household waste and used vehicles — which spread rapidly south and east due to heavy fuel loads and dry conditions.
The fire was classified as accidental. Investigators said there was no intent by the responsible individual to ignite the surrounding stored materials.
The fire drew water from the Puerto Rico tank, affecting water supply to a community that had only recently seen partial restoration.
