07th August 2023 19:42:15 Hours
A sudden fire broke out at the Kanadola Garbage Dump in the general area of Mudduwa East, Ratnapura, around midnight on 06 August 2023. This incident caused panic and concern among the local community, as the fire posed a threat to both the environment and public safety. In response to this emergency, the Municipal Commissioner of Ratnapura and the Assistant Director of the Disaster Management Center in Ratnapura requested the assistance of the Sri Lankan Army.
Accordingly, Early in the morning on 07 August 2023, as per the directions of the Commander Security Forces (West) and under the guidance of the General Officer Commanding 61 Infantry Division, three Officers and fifty Other Ranks from the 8 Battalion Gemunu Watch, along with their Commanding officer, were dispatched to the scene. Their primary objective was to douse the fire and prevent it from spreading further. Meanwhile, this emergency task was closely supervised by the Commander 611 Infantry Brigade, who gave advisors to the ground troops.
Upon arrival, the Army personnel worked together with the members of the Ratnapura Municipal Council and the Ratnapura Fire Brigade. Their collaborative efforts and efficient coordination enabled them to successfully extinguish the fire within a remarkably short period of four hours. This quick response not only prevented the fire from causing further damage but also minimized the impact it had on the local community and the surrounding environment.
The Army's involvement in this firefighting operation is a testament to their versatility and readiness to assist in any emergency situation. Their training and expertise allowed them to effectively tackle this fire, showcasing their commitment to public safety and their ability to work alongside other relevant authorities.
