Small Surface Fire at George Town Landfill Extinguished
The Ministry of Health, Environment and Sustainability (MHES) advises that a small surface fire detected at the George Town Landfill this afternoon was quickly contained and has been fully extinguished.
The Department of Environmental Health (DEH) identified the fire on the north side of the landfill during routine monitoring activities. DEH teams responded immediately and successfully extinguished the fire.
The Cayman Islands Fire Service (CIFS) was notified in accordance with standard operating procedures. However, DEH personnel responded immediately and successfully extinguished the fire before any assistance from CIFS was required.
The fire was confined to a small surface area and was contained before it could spread. Landfill operations continue as normal, and DEH personnel are conducting ongoing assessments and monitoring as part of established fire prevention and mitigation protocols.
Minister for Health, Environment and Sustainability, Katherine Ebanks-Wilks, reassured the public that robust monitoring and response measures remain in place at the landfill.
"I want to reassure the public that this incident was identified and addressed quickly through routine monitoring conducted by the Department of Environmental Health. The DEH team will continue to take all necessary steps to mitigate risks and safeguard nearby communities and the environment. I would also like to thank the Fire Service for their usual support and swift response to these surface fires. The improved mitigation measures will not completely remove fire risks but the swift response today proves that these new procedures are effective. We remain committed to maintaining safe operations at the George Town Landfill."
Acting Chief Officer, Exie Tomlinson-Panton, commended DEH staff for their swift response.
"I would like to thank the DEH team for their prompt action and professionalism in responding to this incident. Their quick identification of the fire and immediate intervention ensured that it was extinguished before it could spread. Today's response demonstrates the value of ongoing
monitoring, preparedness and the dedication of our operational teams who work every day to protect public health and the environment."
MHES assures the public that there are no immediate threats to nearby properties, residents or the environment. As a precaution, DEH crews remain on site to monitor the area and ensure there is no re-ignition. The Ministry continues to work closely with the DEH to support ongoing monitoring and mitigation efforts at the landfill.
