Samoa's Tafaigata rubbish dump and land fill area has been burnt by a fire which the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment suspects is arson.
The dump is very close to the country's main prison.
More than thirty employees from the ministry as well as fire trucks and heavy machines have been working since Monday to put out the fire, but a warning about the threat posed was issued to families living close by on Tuesday night.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment's chief executive Amataga Penaia, says people should be warned, not only for health reasons, but most parts of the country have experienced several bush fires as a result of the dry season.
He says the fire at the rubbish dump has started last Saturday but it is now under control.
Authorities suspect a fire at Samoa's Tafaigata rubbish dump and land fill was lit on purpose. Photo: RNZ / Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia
