Landfill Fire – Update on Containment Efforts
The Cayman Islands Fire Service (CIFS) is actively working on the containment of the fire at the George Town landfill and is extinguishing all small spot fires that may occur. The fire was initially reported in one of the active fill areas facing the Esterly Tibbetts Highway.
There is currently no estimation for the square footage of the landfill affected by the fire. However, due to smoke plumes drifting across George Town and toward the shoreline, the area affected by the smoke is significantly larger than the actual fire footprint.
Chief Fire Officer, Dwight "Randy” Rankin noted, “A landfill fire is particularly complex, not only because of the wide variety of materials present, but also due to deep-seated burning, possible methane gas pockets, and intense internal heat that can persist even after visible flames have been extinguished.”
There are multiple CIFS resources currently deployed and supporting suppression efforts, including Tanker 1, Tanker 1-2, and a trailer pump. The Royal Cayman Islands Police Service has deployed drones to aid in monitoring the containment efforts. Emergency Medical Services are also onsite to offer medical aid to firefighters due to smoke. For their safety, officers will be rotating through the evening.
The Department of Public Safety Communications (911) is using the national CCTV cameras and monitoring the spread of smoke to the surrounding area.
The Department of Environmental Health is conducting air quality tests in the vicinity and liaising with the Ministry of Health, Environment and Sustainability ensure the air quality remains within public health thresholds.
Update for Surrounding Areas
Residents in affected areas should remain indoors, keeping windows and doors closed where possible. While it has not been declared unsafe, persons living within the vicinity who wish to evacuate may do so. The Cayman Islands Red Cross shelter is now open for persons affected by the landfill fire. The shelter is located at 34 Huldah Avenue, across from the Market at the Cricket Grounds. Individuals in need of a safe space are encouraged to make their way to the shelter. Please note that parking is limited and pets are not permitted.
Update for Schools in Vicinity
The Ministry of Education and Training, and the Department of Education Services have made the decision to close Marie Martin Primary School (formerly George Town Primary School) on Friday, 17 April 2026. Schools located in the vicinity of the landfill have also been notified to close.
Throughout this evening, the CIFS will continue water application, cooling and the use of heavy equipment/excavators to expose deep hot spots.
Update on Road Closures
Esterly Tibbetts Highway between the Camana Bay Roundabout and Butterfield Roundabout will remain closed until further notice, while the RCIPS actively monitoring smoke movement and support the CIFS and partner agencies in the ongoing containment effort.
A further operational update will be provided at 11:00 p.m.
RCIPS drone footage observing the ongoing landfill fire on April 16 to assist in monitoring the conditions and decision-making.
