CNMI Acting Gov. Jude Hofschneider, on Thursday, declared Tinian under a state of emergency, after a grass fire grew out of control.

The acting governor of the Northern Marianas signed an executive order declaring a major disaster, arising from the burning of Super Typhoon Yutu waste at a debris site on the island of Tinian, according to a release.

Executive Order 2022-09 states that the fire was lit on June 19 that eventually grew largely-- spreading until reaching a location where waste and debris from the super typhoon. The waste and debris stored included white goods, e-waste, tires, batteries, among other dangerous debris containing toxic chemicals.

The release noted that the flames have been contained and extinguished, however, it remains a threat to residents as the smoke and fumes spread throughout the area.

The proclamation authorizes the Secretary of Finance to access, reprogram, or transfer funds from accounts of Executive Branch departments and agencies as well as autonomous or independent entities to fund containment, mitigation, and remediation of the threat to the health of Tinian residents. This was in consultation with the CNMI Homeland Security and Emergency Management Office and other agencies.