Firefighters will this morning begin withdrawing from the site of the Marsh Folly blaze — exactly a week after the inferno broke out.

Public Safety Minister Sen. David Burch told a press conference yesterday that the fire had been extinguished but warned nearby residents not to drink water from their tanks until it could be tested.

He said the Government was “keenly aware of the discomfort and inconvenience” caused to people living near the Dump.

“I want to take this opportunity to thank you for your patience and cooperation and to assure you that this Government will address any further concerns in the days and weeks ahead,” he added.

Chief Fire Officer Vincent Hollinsid said: “Firefighting operations at the Marsh Folly dump are now complete. Machinery is continuing to pull the debris apart to ensure there are no remaining hot spots. The large pile of horticultural waste has now been reduced to ground level.”

Large excavation machinery was due to begin digging through the remaining debris last night to determine if there was any burning below ground level, although Mr. Hollinsid said there was no evidence of that.

He said the remaining debris would continue to be “wet down” until 8 a.m. today when the Fire Service would begin withdrawing equipment and manpower.

“A small contingent of firefighters will remain at the dump site to attend to any further hot spots that might arise,” he said, adding that the service would revert today to its normal shift pattern from the 12-hour rota it had been operating during the crisis.

Sen. Burch said rainfall had helped bring the blaze under control, along with the efforts of the Fire Service, Bermuda Regiment, the Ministry of Works and Engineering, Marsh Folly depot staff and private contractors who provided heavy machinery.

Works and Engineering Minister Dennis Lister told the media that the Government had already begun discussions with its insurers with regards to claims for specific damage from residents and businesses in the area.

Anyone wishing to make a claim can collect a form from the Ministry of Works and Engineering on the third floor of the General Post Office Building on Church Street, Hamilton or call 297-7842.

“Depending on the extent and severity of any claim, a claims adjuster may be appointed to inspect the property damage,” said Mr. Lister. “We anticipate that any claims for damage will be dealt with reasonably swiftly and, of course, Government will work closely with the insurance company to ensure that affected residents and business owners receive the necessary assistance.”

So far, 32 people have called the Government’s hotline in need of assistance or financial relief.

Mr. Lister reiterated yesterday that the Marsh Folly dump, which some claimed was as tall as an eight-storey building, would not be allowed to reach the same height again.

“We will spread it over the site,” he said. “The site is large enough that we can make many different piles.”

His Ministry, in response to questions from The Royal Gazette, said yesterday that it had not yet decided on a height limitation for the dump.

A statement also said the pile could not have been dealt with at Tynes Bay because the wood material does not burn well in the controlled conditions of the incinerator.

The huge mound of horticultural waste accumulated at Marsh Folly because the machines which break it down were broken for more than two months and needed new parts.

Mr. Lister said the parts were now on the Island and the equipment would be put back into service as soon as possible. “We are looking at what items we may need to stockpile,” he added.

The Ministry statement said plans to turn the Marsh Folly area into a park had not been ruled out.

“Much of the Park Plan is already operational,” it read. “For example, Pembroke playground has been redeveloped; the basketball court has been erected; the walking trail between the playground and basketball court has been created; the canal running along North Street has been revitalised, as has the marsh area along Dutton Avenue. Birds have returned to both of these areas.”