Residents of Virgin Gorda have been advised to remain indoors following a fire at the island's dumpsite that was first noticed on September 26, 2026.
The Department of Waste Management acknowledged encountering "some challenges" that affected the initial response to the blaze. The agency has since brought in private contractors from Tortola to support containment efforts, with water trucks and dump trucks positioned on-site for extinguishment and to smother the flames.
Authorities warned that smoke from the fire may contain hazardous particles that pose particular risks to people with respiratory conditions. The Department of Waste Management advised anyone experiencing medical difficulties to contact health services immediately.
Community advocate and former legislator Shereen D. Flax-Charles said that private contractors on Virgin Gorda volunteered heavy equipment including water trucks, excavators and dump trucks to assist with the response. She noted that the dumpsite remains closed, which could create additional challenges if the fire is not brought under control soon.
Flax-Charles also highlighted concerns about the island's firefighting capacity, pointing to recent fire incidents including a previous fire at a property known as Omars' VG. She said that at one point during the evening, a fire appliance from Fire and Rescue was present but had no water available to use.
"We are hopeful that the entire situation is resolved soonest with the assistance of all involved," Flax-Charles said.
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