Local leaders report on Covanta Waste-to-Energy Plant Fire

DORAL, FL – On Thursday, local leaders gave their latest report on Covanta Waste-to-Energy Plant Fire in Doral that broke out on Sunday, Feb. 12.

During a press conference, Miami-Dade County Mayor, Daniella Levine Cava, expressed her gratitude towards the first responders that continue to respond since the start of the fire to protect Doral’s residents.

“I want to thank the men and women of Miami-Dade fire and police departments for their extraordinary work, they have been working around the clock this week,” Levine Cava said. “Thank you also to our solid waste team that has been working to ensure the minimal impact of waste services across the county.”

Regarding the current status of the fire, the Mayor said there’s been “minimal change” and it continues to burn inside two structures. “To create additional access to the fire, our teams began a partial demolition of the space yesterday and they are making steady progress.”

According to Levine Cava, today’s focus was to bring down both the north and the east walls of the structure which will provide more space to put out the fire.

Also, it was confirmed the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been on site working hand in hand with Miami-Dade County to monitor both the air and water quality. “I’m happy to share they have completed their first 24-hour environmental report,” Levine Cava stated.

About this, City of Doral Mayor, Christi Fraga, asked Miami-Dade County to provide air and water quality report findings to the public as soon as possible for the wellbeing of residents.

Fraga also said during her intervention that they are accessing the situation “on a case by case scenario”, considering each day the wind shifts and the effects on the parks surrounding the plant. “Based on that, we are moving programming indoors or relocating programming to parks not exposed to heavy smoke.”

City of Doral Mayor also took the opportunity to thank the agencies involved in controlling the incident. “I want to express my grattitude to Chief Edwin Lopez of the Doral Police Department, as well as Miami-Dade Police Department that continues to assist with traffic in the area.”

Road closures remain in place for NW 97th Avenue from NW 58th street to NW 74th Street in north and southbound directions, while eastbound traffic on NW 66th street is closed between NW 97th Avenue and NW 102nd Ave. “We ask people to please avoid areas that may cause possible delays due to road closures.”

To keep everyone safe, local leaders urged residents in the affected area to remain indoors as much as possible and keep their windows closed.

“Anyone driving around the plant, we recommend to please keep your windows rolled up to avoid bringing smoke into the vehicle. These recommendations are specially important for anyone experiencing respiratory issues, this resident should do their best to limit outdoor activity and take additional precautions if you’re outside such as wearing a mask,” Levine Cava commented, while adding these suggestions are supported by Jackson Health System.

Miami-Dade County, the lead agency on this incident, as well as the City of Doral will both continue to keep residents updated with the latest information through emergency text messaging service, social media channels, the City of Doral website and through miamidade.gov/wastefire