The Cayman Islands Fire Service (CIFS) continue to work rigorously to combat a fire that ignited inside a fuel tank at Sol Petroleum Cayman Ltd. at the Jackson Point fuel terminal.
An Esso technician reported the fire to 911 at 4:44 p.m. this afternoon (Sunday, 23 July 2017), and the CIFS arrived on scene shortly after.
Fire officers assessed the scene and the risks, and at 5:10 p.m. Acting Station Officer Colbert Miller gave the order to conduct an emergency evacuate a half-a-mile radius from scene in the interest of public safety.
The Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS), Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Hazard Management Cayman Islands (HMCI), Sol management team and petroleum officers also responded to the scene.
A joint taskforce incident command has been set-up up at Sunset House off South Church Street.
Chief Fire Officer David Hails says officers have set-up a one thousand foot radius exclusion zone around the fuel terminal.
“Fire officers are currently taking every step and precaution possible to extinguish this fire as quickly and as safely as possible,” he explains. “We have all of the necessary equipment and means in place to handle the flames and we will continue to do so.”
Chief Hails adds that at this time, they are unable to say when community members will be able to return to their homes, but teams are diligently working to bring the area back to normal.
“We greatly appreciate the public’s cooperation during this time,” Chief Hails explains. “Putting out this fire is the goal, but the safety of the people in this community is our main concern. We will continue to work-hard and do whatever it takes to resolve the issue, and have residents back in their homes as soon as possible.”
Shortly after fire officers responded, the RCIPS initiated roadblocks in the surrounding area to keep the public away from any potential hazards.
At this time HMCI reports they have revised the exclusion zone and roadblocks to reduce the number of individuals that are affected, and have allowed some residents to return to their homes in certain areas.
Roadblocks will continue around South Church Street until otherwise noted. The public is asked to please avoid the area and take alternative routes.
The cause of the fire is being investigated by both the CIFS and RCIPS.
The Cayman Islands Government will continue to bring the public any updated information as it becomes available.