Landfill Fire Update

As at press time on 11 March 2020, crews from the Cayman Islands Fire Service (CIFS) and the Department of Environmental Health (DEH) had made good progress overnight at the scene of a fire at the George Town Landfill.

The situation remains dynamic with varying smoke density at the site as crews continue to excavate, dampen down and cap affected areas.

Earlier that morning, Wednesday, 11 March 2020, waste located close to the landfill boundary flared up during excavation of the site. The decision was quickly made to close one lane of the Esterley Tibbetts Highway (ETH) to allow fire trucks to be strategically deployed and the area to be doused.

Crews were able to contain the flare up and reduce the smoke density for motorists’ safety quickly. As at 9am this morning, both lanes of the ETH are open and will remain open as long as it is safe for motorists.

Commenting from the scene, Chief Fire Officer, Paul Walker QFSM said: “I am extremely proud of the work CIFS and DEH crews have done over the past few days under some very challenging conditions. Everyone at the scene is very grateful for the community’s support to date and ask for their continued patience as we work to resolve the situation as quickly and safely as possible.”

Given the progress made on site, fewer strategic operation meetings will be required from now onwards. The next meeting is scheduled Wednesday, with an update to the public released shortly thereafter.