From GIS 6:23 PM

CAYMAN ISLANDS (GIS) – Landfill Fire Update at 4pm on Thursday, 12 March 2020.

The Cayman Islands Fire Service (CIFS) and the Department of Environmental Health (DEH) continue to work towards the full extinguishment of a fire at the George Town Landfill.

Progress continues to be made to eliminate smoke emanating from the site. Some smoke is still evident at lower levels of the site, which CIFS focused on tackling throughout the day.

CIFS teams were present in Walkers Road, Watlers Road, Lakeside and South Sound today to monitor smoke in the area and speak with residents. Feedback from residents was that conditions have considerably improved.

Some amount of smoke may linger in areas affected. Residents are encouraged to  make assessments of their own area and act accordingly.

Residents affected by smoke are reminded to keep windows, doors and air conditioning vents closed as a precaution and limit the amount of time spent outside in the smoke. People with asthma should carry their inhaler.

Motorists travelling through smoke should keep windows closed, turn off air conditioning and keep their air vents closed.

A further update will be provided to the public tomorrow.     

From GIS 12:16 PM

CAYMAN ISLANDS (GIS) – Landfill Fire Update at 8am on Thursday, 12 March 2020.

Significant progress has been made to a fire at the George Town Landfill thanks to continued efforts from the Cayman Islands Fire Service (CIFS) and the Department of Environmental Health (DEH).

Excavating, damping down and capping will continue today as crews work to bring the incident to a safe and prompt conclusion.

Crews are shifting their focus away from the top mound of the site where the fire has been contained towards a lower section of the landfill requiring attention. As such, intermittent smoke plumes are expected from the site as crews excavate and douse the area.

Overall smoke levels generated from the site have reduced considerably since the fire began on Sunday, 8 March.

CIFS were in the South Sound area this morning to observe smoke in the area following a change in wind direction overnight. Conditions this morning were clear with no visible smoke.

Residents in the local vicinity are reminded that some amount of smoke may linger in the area. As such, residents should continue to make their own assessments of their area and act accordingly.

Residents affected by smoke are reminded to keep windows, doors and air conditioning vents closed as a precaution and limit the amount of time spent outside in the smoke. People with asthma should carry their inhaler.

Motorists travelling through smoke should keep windows closed, turn off air conditioning and keep their air vents closed.

The next operational meeting is scheduled for 4pm today, an update to the public will be available shortly thereafter.