Fire at Corito Landfill Site.
ANGUILLA--A huge fire at the Corito Landfill site started in the late afternoon of Saturday July 25. Firefighters worked tirelessly throughout the night to contain the incident. While the fire remains active and continues to burn, the Fire and Rescue Service announced at 8.45 am July 26 that it is now contained and the rate of fire spread has significantly slowed. Crews will continue suppression operations using heavy equipment to expose hot spots and prevent further spread. Because of the nature of the fire it is likely to burn for several days.
Motorists are reminded to exercise caution when travelling in the vicinity due to the presence of emergency vehicles, water tenders and possible smoke. The public is asked to remain clear of the Landfill area while operations continue.
On Sunday the Anguilla Fire and Rescue Service continued its coordinated response at the Corito Landfill fire with the primary objective to control and extinguish the burning tyre piles, which continue to produce intense heat and significant smoke. Fire crews also worked closely with heavy equipment operators and water trucks to separate, cool, expose, and extinguish burning material while preventing further fire spread. Only essential vehicles, waste contractors, and construction waste are allowed to deposit waste at this time. The Environmental Health Unit will continue to monitor other areas.
The Ministry of Health is advising the public that smoke from the fire at the Corito Landfill Site may affect air quality, particularly in areas downwind of the landfill. A release notes that smoke from landfill fires can irritate the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs, and may worsen symptoms for persons with asthma and other respiratory conditions. As a precaution, residents are encouraged to limit outdoor activities where smoke is visible, keep windows and doors closed as much as possible, use air conditioning on the recirculation setting where available, stay well hydrated, ensure that asthma inhalers and other prescribed respiratory medications are readily available. Those most at risk are infants and young children, older adults, pregnant women and persons with asthma, chronic respiratory illnesses or heart disease. Anyone experiencing severe shortness of breath, persistent chest pain, severe wheezing, or other concerning symptoms should seek medical attention immediately.
The public is also reminded to avoid the Corito Landfill area and follow official updates from the Ministry of Health and the Department of Disaster Management.
