SAIPAN – The Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services responded to another suspected arson fire in Lower Base on Saturday afternoon, the third such fire in the area in recent weeks, firefighters on scene told NMI News Service.
Dispatch received the initial call at 12:32 p.m., according to firefighter Mojica. Chief 2, Lt. Albert Aldan, arrived on scene at 12:37 p.m. and reported heavy black smoke from a pile of tires and trash burning behind trailers at the site. Engine 2 arrived at 12:39 p.m. and began an attack on the fire, with Engine 1 from Suzuki station feeding water from a hydrant to maintain constant pressure.
Crews had the fire contained by approximately 1:42 p.m. and were performing mop-up operations as of late afternoon, digging through smoldering material to extinguish embers and spot fires.
“We’re thinking it’s another arsonist,” Mojica said. “Prevention has been notified. They’re going to be on scene soon. They’re going to do their investigation. We do have some witnesses that were here and they did say they did notice somebody wandering the area.”
The fire occurred near the shoreline, with the burn site located approximately 30 to 40 feet from the water past a row of containers. The site is across the street from Triple B Forwarders.
Mojica said firefighters used a ladder to access the tops of trailers and direct water cannons into the flames to keep the fire from spreading to nearby trailers and dead vegetation.
The fire is the third in roughly the same area of Lower Base in recent weeks. Mojica said witnesses gave statements to prevention investigators.
In a message to the public, Mojica thanked residents for their hospitality as DFEMS crews continue to install tents through the federal Sustainment of Temporary Resilience and Operational Needs on Ground program.
“A bunch of families came and they gave us some drinks,” Mojica said. “We know that you guys don’t have to, and we know that you guys are also suffering, but you know, getting that little bit from you guys, it’s amazing.”
Mojica asked residents who see anyone burning to call DFEMS.
“Our call logs have been critical,” he said. “We’re trying to respond to everything as quickly as possible.”
