The Virgin Gorda dumpsite has closed its doors to the public while emergency responders work to extinguish a fire that broke out around midday on Saturday, September 26, the Ministry of Health and Social Development reported.
The Department of Waste Management is leading the containment operation alongside the Virgin Islands Fire and Rescue Service and private contractors. Firefighters managed to suppress portions of the blaze, yet flames continued to spread and release thick smoke into the surrounding area. Response teams laboured through Saturday evening, with plans for a larger-scale effort to resume the following day to bring the fire under control.
No timeline has been provided for when the facility will reopen.
The ministry has instructed nearby residents to stay indoors as much as possible and seal their doors and windows against the smoke. Outdoor activities in the vicinity should be kept to a minimum during the smoke event.
People with asthma, other lung conditions, or heart disease face heightened risk and should take steps to limit their exposure. The same guidance applies to infants, small children and elderly residents. Anyone who develops breathing difficulty, persistent coughing, lightheadedness, stomach upset, or worsening of existing lung or heart symptoms should contact a healthcare provider.
This marks the second dumpsite fire in recent months. A comparable incident occurred in early July, forcing a temporary shutdown; the site resumed operations on July 9 once that fire had been brought under control.
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