The Northern Marianas has set aside two million dollars to clean up leftover debris and any toxic materials on the island of Tinian that arose from a grass fire in June.
Waste and debris from Super Typhoon Yutu that was being sorted and stored for disposal on the Northern Marianas island of Tinian is seen charred and burnt after a grass fire swept through the area on 19 June, 2022. Photo: CNMI governor's office
Then-acting governor Jude Hofschneider, declared a major disaster and state of significant emergency on Tinian because of the out-of-control fire and toxic fumes.
The blaze reached a location where waste and debris from Super Typhoon Yutu was being sorted and stored for disposal.
The waste and debris included items that contained toxic chemicals, such as "white goods" waste, e-waste, tyres, and batteries.