Major Fire Erupts at Karadiyana Garbage Dump, Air Force Helicopters Deployed

New information reveals that the Karadiyana facility serves as the waste disposal site for Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia, Moratuwa, Kesbewa Municipal Councils, and Boralesgamuwa Urban Council. The Western Province Solid Waste Management Unit has indicated that fires at the dump are an almost annual occurrence, often linked to dry weather conditions. In addition to previously reported responders, the Mount Lavinia Fire Unit and the Sri Lanka Air Force Fire Unit are also actively engaged in extinguishing the blaze.

The fire at the Karadiyana garbage dump, which reportedly started around 3 PM from a pile of polythene, has seen an expanded response. Waste Management Authority Chairman Chathura Kahadawa Arachchi confirmed that Kotte, Moratuwa, and Colombo Municipal Council fire units were called, in addition to the two Air Force helicopters deployed, which helped bring the blaze under some control within approximately two hours. Piliyandala Police are also assisting in the efforts. Due to heavy smoke and the potential for it to be toxic, emergency instructions have been issued for nearby residents to avoid adjacent roads, use alternative routes, and wear face masks.