Updated at 5:20pm on Thursday, 25 March

Cayman Islands Fire Service (CIFS) crews working alongside colleagues from the Department of Environmental Health continue to make good progress excavating and extinguishing deep seated pockets of fire at the George Town landfill using safe systems of work.

This will continue throughout the evening with some variation in smoke plume size and intensity. Residents and businesses affected are reminded to keep doors and windows closed and avoid the smoke plume where possible.

A further update will be provided tomorrow morning.

Updated at 4pm on Thursday, 25 March

Significant progress has been made at the scene throughout the day using safe and effective systems of work. The plume emanating from the site is significantly reduced and now predominately includes steam from water used to extinguish the fire.

CIFS will remain on site this evening to fully extinguish and damp down the affected area. Limited impact to surrounding residents and businesses is expected from this evening onwards.

A debrief and full investigation will commence once the incident is brought to a conclusion.

Updated at 12pm on Thursday, 25 March

Crews from the Cayman Islands Fire Service (CIFS) and the Department of Environmental Health (DEH) are tackling a large fire at the George Town landfill site.

The fire is contained to the metals area where CIFS are working to establish four points of attack using defensive firefighting tactics and safe systems of work.
A large smoke plume is emanating from the scene.

All residents in the path of the smoke should close doors and windows and turn off air conditioning units. Residents and businesses in the vicinity are advised to conduct their own assessment and should consider evacuating if sufficient risk or discomfort presents.

All southbound traffic on the Esterly Tibbetts Highway is being diverted.

Updated at 10:50am on Thursday, 25 March

The Cayman Islands Fire Service (CIFS) were called to the George Town landfill site around 9:45am today, Thursday, 25 March, following a fire detected in the metals area.

Crews are working with the Department of Environmental Health to create fire breaks and swiftly bring the situation under control.

Children have been sent home from the Cayman International School.

Residents are asked to avoid the area if possible. Those in the vicinity of the landfill should keep doors and windows closed and turn off air conditioning units.