George Town Landfill on Fire

09 March 2020, 05:42 AM

Health

10 Mar

8am - Landfill Fire Update at 8am on Tuesday, 10 March 2020.

The Cayman Islands Fire Service (CIFS), Department of Environmental Health (DEH) and Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS) remain on site at the George Town Landfill.

Following an assessment this morning, the Esterley Tibbetts Highway was able to remain open both north and southbound, successfully alleviating the traffic congestion seen the previous day. Motorists are advised to stay vigilant while on the stretch of highway between the Butterfield roundabout and Camana Bay, reduce their driving speed and keep vehicle windows closed.

CIFS’ focus today will be to further reduce the amount of visible smoke in the area and lessen its impact to local residents. DEH continue to excavate the site, allowing CIFS to dampen down the area and reduce smoke. More favourable weather conditions are expected today, which should aid fire officers’ efforts.

Operational meetings at the scene will be held at noon and 4pm today. A decision will be made whether the smoke has been reduced sufficiently to allow Lakeside and Watler Road residents to return home at the 4pm meeting.

Commenting on the volume of food donations and well-wishes offered to crews, Chief Fire Officer, Paul Walker QFSM said: “Everyone at CIFS is overwhelmed by the level of public support and generosity shown to our crews. During protracted and challenging incidents such as this, it really means a lot that the community is behind us. This is Cayman Kind at its best.”

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 (HSA).

The next update will be shared after 12pm today.

9 March

7pm - Landfill Fire Update at 7pm on Monday, 9 March 2020.

The Cayman Islands Fire Service (CIFS) and Department of Environmental Health (DEH) and Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS) remain on site at the George Town Landfill.

The RCIPS confirmed this evening that in addition to opening the Esterley Tibbetts Highway to northbound traffic between 4.30-6.30 p.m., they also opened the southbound carriageway on the Esterley Tibbetts Highway to help traffic congestion. Officials say that the controlled opening worked well and following an assessment at 5.30 a.m. tomorrow Tuesday, 10 March 2020 may be repeated to aid the commute to work.

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.

Premier Alden McLaughlin speaking at a press conference this afternoon 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.

The Ministry of Education has shared an update on school closures on www.gov.ky and on social media.

This evening the Red Cross, with support from the HSA and a local GP, has also been set up as a medical post for first responders to seek assistance as a result of working extended hours or for smoke inhalation.

The next update will be shared after 8 a.m. tomorrow.

7pm - Some Government Schools Resume Operations Tomorrow, Tuesday 10 March

The Ministry of Education, Youth Sports, Agriculture and Lands (MEYSAL) have announced that the following schools and institutions will reopen its doors to both students and staff tomorrow, Tuesday, 10 March 2020:

Cayman Islands Further Education Centre (CIFEC)
Cornerstones
Early Intervention Program at CIFEC
John Gray High
Little Stars
Stepping Stones

George Town Primary School (GTPS) and the Transitional Unit located on the GTPS campus will remain closed tomorrow due to the levels of smoke in the area. Education officials will continue to monitor the situation at GTPS and provide necessary updates as they arise.

4:15pm - Northbound Lanes of Esterley Tibbetts Temporarily Re-Opened, 9 March

In order to assist with the flow of traffic during the evening rush hour, the northbound lanes of the Esterley Tibbetts Highway, between the AL Thompsons roundabout and Camana Bay, will be temporarily reopened between 4:00PM and 6:30PM today. The southbound lanes will remain closed. Due to ongoing visibility issues caused by smoke coming from the George Town landfill fire, the speed limit in this area will be reduced to 30MPH.

Marked police vehicles will also be stationed at both ends of this section of the Esterley Tibbetts (AL Thompsons roundabout and Lawrence Boulevard). Motorists choosing to travel via the Esterley Tibbetts during this time are advised to exercise caution, obey all instructions from traffic officers, and observe the adjusted speed limit. In addition, your vehicle’s windows should be kept closed and the air system set to recirculate internal air, in order to avoid unnecessary exposure to smoke fumes.

Because the southbound lanes will remain closed, traffic congestion is still expected. As such, the RCIPS is asking the public to avoid all non-essential travel on Esterley Tibbetts and West Bay Road, in both directions, during the evening rush hour.

2:30pm - 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.

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.

12pm – Landfill Fire Update at 12pm 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.

Crews working at the landfill have now been able to focus their efforts on the largest sector of the fire in the middle the site and have relocated their resources accordingly.

Chief Fire Officer Paul Walker says the teams are hoping to make a significant impact on the fire over the next 90 minutes.

The Esterley Tibbetts Highway (ETH) from Butterfield roundabout to Cost U Less is closed though officials are hoping to bring the closure further south to Camana Bay as soon as possible to alleviate traffic. The closure will be reassessed at midday and will depend how much reduction of smoke crews are able to achieve.

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 are closed to students on Monday. Triple C School is closing at noon. Both the shelter at John Gray and the Red Cross shelter are now closed.

Chief Walker expressed his sympathy to all who had been 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.

9:25am - Landfill Fire Update at 0900 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.

Crews have worked throughout the night to contain the fire to the landfill and will continue their efforts throughout the morning. The focus of firefighting has shifted to the mound, where the fire is concentrated.

Chief Fire Officer Paul Walker thanked his officers and those of DEH and RCIPS for their tireless efforts.

The Esterley Tibbetts Highway from Butterfield roundabout to Cost U Less is closed though officials are hoping to bring the closure further south to Camana Bay as soon as possible to alleviate traffic. The closure will be reassessed at midday.

All motorists travelling from the direction of West Bay are being 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.

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 will also be closed to students on Monday. Both the shelter at John Gray and the Red Cross shelter are now closed.

Chief Walker expressed his sympathy to all who had been 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 after 10am.

8:05am - DES School Closure Advisory

As a result of the smoke from the GT Landfill fire, the following schools are closed today, Monday 9 March out of an abundance of caution in relation to safeguarding the staff and students:

Cayman International School
Cayman Islands Further Education Centre (CIFEC)
Cornerstone School
Early Intervention Program at CIFEC,
George Town Primary
John Gray High
Little Stars
Stepping Stones
Transitional Unit at the George Town Primary School

Further to the school closures, The Civil Service will operate a relaxed attendance policy today Monday 9 March, for parents whose children attend schools which have been closed today due to the landfill fire. Civil Servants who are parents affected by the school closures should contact their managers in the normal way to report any resulting absences.

All Civil Servants are encouraged to monitor updates issued by the Government Information Service (GIS).

We will continue to monitor the situation and provide additional updates as necessary.

7:10am RCIPS – Police are reminding the public that the Esterley Tibbetts Highway will remain closed due to the fire incident that is current taking place.

All motorist travelling from the direction of West Bay are being asked to divert to West Bay Road at your earliest convenience during your travels. Motorist travelling from George Town are also to travel along West Bay Road as far as possible in order to arrive at their destinations.

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 RCIPS thanks you for your continued cooperation.

7:09am St. George’s Preschool is closed for the day

6:49 GIS - As a precaution, the Elections Office will be closed due to the high level of smoke that the wind is carrying from the Landfill fires.

6:35am GIS - The Civil Service will operate a relaxed attendance policy today Monday 9 March, for parents whose children attend schools which have been closed today due to the landfill fire.

The schools which have been reported thus far to be closed today include Cayman International School, George Town Primary School, John Gray School and CIFEC.

Civil Servants who are parents affected by the school closure should contact their managers in the normal way to report any resulting absences.

All Civil Servants are encouraged to monitor updates issued by the Government Information Service

430am HCMI – The John Gray High School shelter has closed. If you require shelter due to the smoke plume from the landfillfire – please go to the CI RD Cross Building on Huldah Avenue.

3:00am HCMI – The situation at the landfill 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.

2:00 am RCIPS- The closure, the Esterley Tibbetts Highway between the AL Thompsons roundabout and Camana Bay, will remain in effect this morning, 9 March. The closure will be reassessed at 12:00PM, and an update will follow.

1:30am GIS - Landfill Fire Update at 0130 on Monday, 9 March.

The Cayman Islands Fire Service (CIFS) and Department of Environmental Health (DEH) remain on site at the George Town Landfill, where CIFS crews are continuing to work systematically to contain the fire.

Weather conditions remain challenging at this time and the crew’s priority is to contain the fire, striving to ensure it does not spread to the Esterley Tibbetts Highway (ETH) and Camana Bay areas. The RCIPS also remains on site.

As such, the ETH between Camana Bay and the Butterfield roundabout will remain closed on Monday morning (9 March) as a precautionary measure. The closure will be reassessed at midday.

John Gray High School, George Town Primary, CIFEC and Cayman International School will also be closed to students on Monday. Although the shelter at John Gray, which can receive animals, will remain open. The Red Cross shelter is also available.

Another update will be provided after 8am.

8 MARCH

10:29pm GIS

Cayman Islands Fire Service (CIFS) and Department of Environmental Health (DEH) crews are seeing some success from their application of a specialised fire retardant at the scene of what officials are describing as a well-developed waste fire at the George Town Landfill.

Twenty seven fire officers plus a team from the DEH are currently on site at the landfill, where strong, variable winds have created challenging conditions.

Crews are tackling the fire from two strategic fronts based on risk: the Esterley Tibbetts Highway side, and the Camana Bay side. All resources from the West Bay Fire Station and the Central Fire Station have been diverted to the landfill. The Frank Sound Fire Station is providing cover to the rest of the Island and as such has moved two pumps to the cruise terminal landing in Spotts to be closer to George Town and West Bay.

The RCIPS is also present on site.

Crews will continue to work throughout the night.

Praising the work done by CIFS tonight, Minister for Home Affairs Hon. Tara Rivers says “On behalf of the Government and the country I would like to convey our deepest gratitude to Chief Walker and his team for their tireless efforts and commitment.

A further update is expected sometime after 11pm.

Ministry of Health Update

Persons experiencing any problems with irritation or difficulty in breathing, should contact their healthcare professional or seek help from the Accident & Emergency Department at the Health Services Authority. Please also note that the direct phone number for people experiencing respiratory issues due to smoke should be 244-2945.

Shelters are open at John Grey High School and the Red Cross of Huldah Avenue for those who need to seek shelter from the smoke.

Ministry of Education Update

George Town Primary School will be closed tomorrow due to the smoke generated by tonight’s landfill fire.

Further updates will be provided until the fire is extinguished.

7:10pm Landfill Fire Update

The Red Cross Shelter on Huldah Ave. is now open for persons needing to evacuate from the smoke.

6:50pm DEH Statement on Landfill Fire

The Department of Environmental Health (DEH) are working with the CIFS to contain the current fire at the George Town Landfill (Sunday evening, 8 March 2020), and will keep the public updated.

The public are advised to stay away from the smoke, and anyone experiencing respiratory issues due to smoke ahould contact the Accident and Emergency unit at the GT Hospital immediately on 244 2495 to report it.

The DEH will be further guided by the CIFS and the Medical Officer of Health as to the progress of the fire and if any shelters should be opened at this time.

The public is asked to remain on alert for updates on this developing situation.

6:21pm RCIPS

Due to the fire at the George Town Landfill, the Esterley Tibbetts Highway is closed between the AL Thompsons roundabout and Camana Bay.

5:31pm Sunday GIS

The Cayman Islands Fire Service is reporting that the incident they were called to attend at the George Town landfill this morning (Sunday, 8 March 2020) has become an escalating, challenging fire fanned by strong winds.

A large smoke plume is now very visible. (I will share more information on likely impact on businesses and residents as soon as available.)

Fire Service has more resources heading to scene and will provide updates as information becomes available.

Fire Service officials describe the situation as very dynamic and says CIFS is doing all it can to contain and prevent further escalation.

MARCH 7

12:32pm GIS Fire Service crews were recalled to the George Town Landfill at 9.15 this morning (Sunday 8 March 2020) but have found no sign of fire or smoke at this time.

Nevertheless the crew is saturating the area of concern and will continue saturating and monitoring throughout the night if necessary.

Updates will be shared if the situation changes.

9:15am - Fire Service has just informed me that they were recalled you the site about half an hour ago. Will send more info as soon as I have it.

8:38 am Cayman Islands Fire Service crews left .George Town Landfill site last night (Saturday 7 March)at 8pm with the fire completely extinguished.

MARCH 7

The Department of Environmental Health is monitoring the site for any further signs of fire, to support early notification and intervention by the Fire Service as required.

At 1:15pm on Saturday, 7 March, CIFS crews were mobilised and are currently responding to a surface fire at the George Town Landfill site. More information to follow, as available.