WILLEMSTAD — Firefighters in Curaçao have brought a major scrapyard fire in Buenavista, Heintje Kool, under control, although it has not yet been fully extinguished.
Fire official Elroy Obispo warned that nearby residents could experience smoke for another two to three days. Surrounding buildings suffered heat and smoke damage, but the flames did not spread to other structures.
Nearly all fire stations on the island participated in the operation. Burning tires, oil and other flammable materials complicated firefighting efforts.
Police are investigating the cause, while questions have also emerged regarding the scrapyard's permits and fire safety.