The Bermuda Fire Service has asked Works and Engineering to improve security measures at the Tynes Bay Waste Treatment Facility after an arsonist torched a giant pile of refuse in December.

Several Tynes Bay area residents this week said the refuse pile was growing once again and they were afraid the arsonist who started an inferno on Christmas Day would strike again while forcing them to abandon their homes.

"Since the fire at the contingency yard last year, Government has implemented several measures recommended by the Fire Service to ensure the security of the woodpile and to prevent a reoccurrence," Minister of Works and Engineering Minister Ashfield DeVent said yesterday in a Press release. "These include barbed wire fencing, internal lighting and 24-hour security just to name a few."

Mr. DeVent also confirmed that the pile of trash was growing due to "planned maintenance" at the facility.

"We have been keeping a watchful eye on it and are satisfied that the necessary steps have been taken to ensure that the waste is disposed of in a safe manner," Mr. DeVent said. "The maintenance is anticipated to be completed early next week."

He also said residents were advised in late July that the Ministry had planned to carry out necessary upgrades to key areas at the facility used in processing wood waste, most notably the Lindermann Shear.

A Lindermann Shear is a device used to cut bulky wood waste.

Mr. DeVent said that the Island's construction boom was contributing to the pile-up.

"Over the years, particularly in recent months, there has been a considerable increase in the overall amount of waste being produced by the public," he said. "There are several factors that can be attributed, including more consumption by the public as well as a thriving construction industry."

As a result, he "encouraged residents to be mindful when it comes to waste production and whenever possible to recycle".