LANDFILL FIRE – 11:00 p.m. Operational Update

16 April 2026 | Press Release | By: CIG Communications

As of 11:00 p.m. this evening, the Cayman Islands Fire Service (CIFS) is making steady progress in the containment efforts of the landfill fire, with continued suppression and hot-spot monitoring. At this time, the CIFS cannot share an official containment percentage as portions of the fire continue to reignite. Special emphasis is being placed on ensuring the fire remains contained in the current area and that crews are not overwhelmed by changing conditions throughout the response.

Additional manpower has been assigned to support personnel rotation and sustained overnight operations. 

Current resources include:

  • fire suppression crew
  • incident command personnel
  • maintaining fire breaks
  • protecting the tire section and other high-risk waste areas
  • monitoring equipment performance and operational readiness
  • contingency planning in the event of equipment failure or escalation 


Update on Road Closures
The Esterley Tibbetts Highway remains closed between the Butterfield Roundabout and the Jay Bodden Highway. This closure is expected to remain in effect overnight and into tomorrow morning, 17 April, as conditions remain hazardous for vehicular traffic in the area. 

Members of the public, particularly those who commute from the West Bay and Seven Mile Beach areas, are encouraged to work from home where possible, or consider staggering travel times into town. Motorists travelling into town can either travel along the Esterley Tibbetts Highway and divert onto Jay Bodden Drive and through Industrial Park, or use West Bay Road. Otherwise, persons should avoid travelling in nearby areas where possible.
 
The Royal Cayman Islands Police Service continues to closely monitor the situation and will reopen the roadway as soon as it is safe to do so.


Department of Environmental Health Waste Collection/Landfill Operations
The landfill will be closed to the public tomorrow, with only Department of Environmental Health vehicles and emergency vehicles allowed. 

However, the 24-hour drop-off site at the entrance to the George Town Landfill remains open for the disposal of small quantities of household waste. The access is via Seymour Drive, off North Sound Road.

Members of the public are also advised that DEH garbage collection services will take place tomorrow as normal.


School Closures
Due to the landfill fire, several schools in the affected area will be closed tomorrow, Friday, 17 April. These include;  

  • S. Marie Martin (George Town) Primary
  • Cayman International School
  • Footsteps
  • St. George's Preschool
  • Bloom Learning Centre  


Update on Air Quality Testing
The Department of Environmental Health has been conducting regular air quality testing in the surrounding areas impacted by smoke. The results indicate that, while most locations recorded acceptable levels, there are concerns at the Lakeside area, where elevated readings were detected.

As a precautionary measure, it is recommended that residents living near the St George’s Preschool and St George’s Anglican Church limit outdoor activities until conditions improve.

Another air quality test will be carried out tomorrow. 
 

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