In a short statement Tuesday afternoon, Government Information Services said Chief Fire Officer Paul Walker “has given his approval for residents of Lakeside Apartments and Watlers Road to return to their homes”.

However, Walker said, as a precaution, “residents should keep doors and windows closed and are advised to monitor air conditioning units in case of smoke intake”.

Education officials also announced that the George Town Primary School, and the Transitional Unit housed at the school, will re-open on Wednesday morning. The school had been closed in Monday and Tuesday because of the fire.

On Tuesday, Cayman Islands Fire Service crews were still battling the fire that escalated Sunday at the landfill.

According to the latest statement, the crews “made good progress” in combatting the fire.

“Crews have continued to work throughout the day, along with colleagues from the Department of Environmental Health to excavate, damped down and cap the affected areas,” the statement said.

The Esterley Tibbetts Highway, which was reopened Monday night, remained open in both directions Tuesday.

“Motorists should remain vigilant while passing the landfill site and reduce speed as signed in the area,” the statement said.

Fire Service and Department of Environmental Health crews will remain on site overnight.

The next operational meeting will take place at 8am Wednesday, with an update to the public provided soon afterwards.