Landfill Fire - Agencies Continue Response and Community Support Measures

The Cayman Islands Fire Service can confirm that the landfill fire is currently under control. However, challenges with equipment and intermittent smoke cover affecting visibility have slowed extinguishment efforts.

More than 30 fire service personnel were engaged in response efforts yesterday. Today, approximately 50 personnel are involved, including recruit officers, reflecting the scale and sustained nature of the operation.

Minister for District Administration and Home Affairs, Honourable Nickolas DaCosta said, “I want to recognise and commend the Cayman Islands Fire Service, Royal Cayman Islands Police Service and the partner agencies for their swift and coordinated response to the major incident at the George Town Landfill. Crews on the ground acted decisively to assess, contain and manage a highly complex situation, while also supporting members of the public and staff on site. I thank them for their tireless professionalism and service.”

Her Excellency the Governor, Mrs Jane Owen said, “I commend all our emergency responders and partner agencies for their continued dedication and professionalism in managing this incident. We are actively monitoring air quality and ensuring appropriate public health follow‑up is in place for those in affected areas. The Premier and I will continue to work closely together through the National Executive, with our priority firmly focused on the safety and wellbeing of the community.”

Advice for Motorists

The RCIPS have opened one northbound and one southbound lane of the Esterley Tibbetts Highway, between the AL Thompson’s roundabout and the Jay Bodden Highway, with a 20 mph speed limit in effect.

Motorists are urged to proceed with caution and follow all instructions from officers when travelling through these areas.

Ongoing Air Quality Testing and Welfare Checks

The ⁠Department of Environmental Health is conducting air quality testing in areas heavily affected by smoke. Based on the readings, the Ministry of Health, Environment and Sustainability will make determinations regarding public health advice or potential evacuation orders for residents.  

Government agencies will also be conducting welfare checks in affected communities to ensure the safety and wellbeing of residents impacted by smoke.

Landfill Operations

Currently, the George Town landfill remains closed to facilitate containment and extinguishment efforts.

Minister for Health, Environment and Sustainability, Honourable Katherine Ebanks-Wilks said, “This incident is a stark reminder of the growing pressure on our landfill and the very real risks that come with it. The Department of Environmental Health has robust protocols for monitoring and responding to fires, and I am grateful to the team onsite who are assisting the Fire Service to cover the area with aggregate.”

Minister Ebanks-Wilks continued, “While the immediate focus is on controlling the fire and minimising risk of further outbreaks, my Ministry is also making progress on plans to address the long-standing issue of waste management. In the medium-term, our focus is on diverting waste through recycling and establishing more effective and modern landfill operations at the current site. We have budgeted for a new, fully-lined facility to extend the lifespan of the George Town landfill for a decade while we develop the long-term solution.”

The public is urged to continue following official advice and guidance issued by the Cayman Islands Government.