Landfill Fire Update at 2.30pm on Monday, 9 March

Landfill Fire Update at 2.30pm on Monday, 9 March 2020. The Cayman Islands Fire Service (CIFS) and Department of Environmental Health (DEH) and RCIPS remain on site at the George Town Landfill.

Chief Fire Officer Paul Walker says that his teams are continuing to make good progress across all sectors. In fact, the Esterley Tibbetts Highway (ETH) is no longer closed from Camana to Cost U Less. The reopening of that section has greatly improved traffic flow.

It is hoped that a decision about the complete reopening of the highway can be made by mid-afternoon. The decision depends on how much reduction of smoke crews can achieve.

All motorists travelling from the direction of West Bay are asked to divert to West Bay Road at their earliest convenience. Motorist travelling from George Town are also to travel along West Bay Road as far as possible.

All motorists who do not need to travel to and from West Bay are being asked to refrain from doing so until absolutely necessary, in order to alleviate some of the traffic flow hindrances that this road closure will cause during morning commute.

The Cornerstone School, the Transitional Unit, Stepping Stones, Little Star’s, the Early Intervention Program at CIFEC, St. George’s Pre-School, John Gray High School, George Town Primary, CIFEC and Cayman International School were closed to students today. Triple C School closed at noon. Both the shelter at John Gray and the Red Cross shelter are now closed.

The situation at the site remains dynamic and nearby residents are advised to close doors and windows and monitor air conditioning units for smoke intake. The landfill will be closed to the public until further notice.

Chief Walker expressed his sympathy to all who are being affected by the incident and assures them that the Fire, Police and DEH are working to achieve a resolution as quickly as possible.

Another update will be provided shortly. Persons experiencing any problems with irritation or difficulty breathing should contact their healthcare professional or seek help from the Accident & Emergency Department at the Health Services Authority.