“If a fire breaks out again at the garbage dump only firefighters who are willing to take risks will be deployed”, Union Chairman Joel Panka told Times of Suriname. Panka explained that firefighters do not refuse to go to  Ornamibo but that they need the necessary equipment and gear to get the job done in a safe manner. As long as the minimum safety requirements are missing, the men cannot be forced to take risks.  Panka pointed out that the government must purchase the necessary equipment and gear so that the firefighters can do their job effectively. “The Public Works Ministry must take precautionary measures in response to the fires that break out on a regular basis”, said Panka who added that “the situation at Ornamibo is nothing new.” Firefighters have gone to the garbage dump for the past 25 years. “This year the situation has become worse. Since the end of August and the start of September firefighters have repeatedly gone to Ornamibo to put out fires. “This has affected the health of the firefighters. Several firefighters became sick after the last time they went to Ornamibo and some are still trying to recover. Panka pointed out that “a structural solution is needed to make sure that the firefighters do not have to work under these circumstances. He also pointed out that the health of the people who live near Ornamibo is also affected by the smoke that is produced by the fires. Wanica South-East District Commissioner Ernesto Muller assured that he would address the issue as a solution is needed as soon as possible.