Landfill Fire Update at 4pm on Tuesday, 10 March

CAYMAN ISLANDS (GIS) – Landfill Fire Update at 4pm on Tuesday, 10 March 2020.

The Cayman Islands Fire Service (CIFS) crews have made good progress in tackling at fire at the George Town Landfill.

Crews have continued to work throughout the day along with colleagues from the Department of Environmental Health (DEH) to excavate, damped down and cap the affected areas.

Their efforts have proved successful in significantly reducing the amount of smoke emanating from the site. 

 As such, Chief Fire Officer, Paul Walker QFSM, has given his approval for residents of Lakeside Apartments and Watlers Road to return to their homes. As a precaution, residents should keep doors and windows closed and are advised to monitor air conditioning units in case of smoke intake.

Esterley Tibbetts Highway remains open in both directions this evening. Motorists should remain vigilant while passing the landfill site and reduce speed as signed in the area.

 CIFS and DEH crews will remain on site this evening. The next operational meeting will take place at 8am tomorrow, with an update to the public provided soon afterwards. 

Landfill Fire Update at 12pm on Tuesday, 10 March

CAYMAN ISLANDS (GIS) – Landfill Fire Update at 12pm on Tuesday, 10 March 2020.

The Cayman Islands Fire Service (CIFS) crews continue to make steady progress in tackling a fire at the George Town Landfill site.

Colleagues from the Department of Environmental Health are assisting with excavating, damping down and capping the areas affected in order to reduce smoke and extinguish the fire.

As anticipated, through the process of excavating, controlled flare ups have occurred which have been extinguished quickly by crews.

The next operational strategy meeting will take place on site at 4pm. A decision will then be made as to whether the smoke has subsided enough to safely allow Lakeside Apartments and Watler Road residents to return home this evening.

The next update will be shared after 4pm today.

Landfill Fire Update at 8am on Tuesday, 10 March

CAYMAN ISLANDS (GIS) – Landfill Fire Update at 8am on Tuesday, 10 March 2020.

The Cayman Islands Fire Service (CIFS), Department of Environmental Health (DEH) and Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS) remain on site at the George Town Landfill.

Following an assessment this morning, the Esterley Tibbetts Highway was able to remain open both north and southbound, successfully alleviating the traffic congestion seen the previous day. Motorists are advised to stay vigilant while on the stretch of highway between the Butterfield roundabout and Camana Bay, reduce their driving speed and keep vehicle windows closed.

CIFS’ focus today will be to further reduce the amount of visible smoke in the area and lessen its impact to local residents. DEH continue to excavate the site, allowing CIFS to dampen down the area and reduce smoke. More favourable weather conditions are expected today, which should aid fire officers’ efforts.

Operational meetings at the scene will be held at noon and 4pm today. A decision will be made whether the smoke has been reduced sufficiently to allow Lakeside and Watler Road residents to return home at the 4pm meeting.

Commenting on the volume of food donations and well-wishes offered to crews, Chief Fire Officer, Paul Walker QFSM said: “Everyone at CIFS is overwhelmed by the level of public support and generosity shown to our crews. During protracted and challenging incidents such as this, it really means a lot that the community is behind us. This is Cayman Kind at its best.”             

Persons experiencing any problems with irritation or difficulty breathing should contact their healthcare professional or seek help from the Accident & Emergency Department at the Health Services Authority (HSA).

The next update will be shared after 12pm today.