The smoke that blanketed the Pembroke area is finally out, but troubles at the March Folly dump are not over.

The Transport Control Department (TCD) closed yesterday afternoon because of a "pungent odour" coming from the site.

There is no indication the smell is related to the fire at the dump and TCD will be operating on regular hours on Monday, March 16.

The fire, however, was the topic of both Dennis Lister, the Minister of Works and Engineering, and Sen. David Burch's, the Minister of Public Safety and Housing, statements to the House of Assembly and the Senate respectively, yesterday.

Both Ministers gave an update on the situation at the site and thanked those whose services were involved. Sen. Burch said: "The site was manned continuously around the clock from the first call out of fire personnel on the morning of Wednesday, February 28, until Tuesday, March 6, when the blaze was essentially extinguished.

"The Ministry of Health has retained Bermuda Water Consultants Ltd. to conduct tests of air and water in the surrounding areas.

Analysis will take a few days for some of the results, others have to be sent overseas and they will take about ten days."

Mr. Lister thanked the Bermuda Fire Service, the St. George's Fire Brigade, the Bermuda Regiment and the Works and Engineering crew for their coordinated efforts.

He added: "I must also mention the invaluable assistance that was provided by the private sector. D&G construction, Island Construction, Hunts Sanitation, James Water Service and others responded without hesitation when we reached out for assistance."

The Ministry of Works and Engineering is offering insurance claims forms from their headquarters on the third floor of the General Post Office Building.

Those affected may collect, complete and return the forms to the Ministry who will then assess and address the claims.