UPDATED: 11:23AM Wed 28 Feb 2018

• Overnight brush fire in East End was extinguished early this morning.

GRAND CAYMAN (GIS) – Fire services officials have confirmed that an overnight brush fire near the East End quarry is no longer burning.

The fire was extinguished at 3.35 a.m. this morning and crews remained on scene until 5a.m. to ensure there was no reignition.

Thanking fire personnel who worked overnight at the scene deep in the East End bush in what he described as difficult and arduous conditions, Chief Fire Officer David Hails also expressed gratitude to the RCIPS for providing air support.

“The live infrared images of the scene that they sent us from the helicopter helped us to formulate a fire-fighting strategy and contributed to the safety of the fire officers,” Chief Hails remarked.

At this point the cause of the fire has not been identified although officials will conduct an investigation.

Echoing Mr Hails, Home Affairs Minister Tara Rivers added her own thanks the vigilance of the CIFS officers and the RCIPS helicopter crew. “The dedication shown by the  officers in working through the night to extinguish the fire before it became a threat to the surrounding community is truly commendable,” the Minister said.

From GIS 11:10PM Tue 27 Feb 2018

• Fire crews are actively fighting a bush fire in the vicinity of the East End quarry.
• The Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS) is providing aerial support using thermal imaging cameras.

GRAND CAYMAN (GIS) – The Cayman Islands Fire Service has personnel and equipment on the scene of a bush fire in the vicinity of the East End quarry tonight (Tuesday, 27 February 2018). 

While fire crews are working to extinguish the fire, it is slow going due to the lack of road access. To enable fire trucks to get close enough to discharge water, an excavator is being used to clear bush.

Meanwhile the RCIPS helicopter is providing aerial support using thermal imaging cameras.

Fire services officials are expected to remain on scene until they can confirm that the fire has been extinguished.