Update 11:28 AM - PSA: HSA Therapy Services Closed Due To Dump Fire Smoke
Patients seeking care at the Health Services Authority’s (HSA’s) Therapy Services Department at Bay Town House on West Bay Road are advised that the department will be closing immediately on Friday, 17 April 2026, due to smoke from the nearby dump fire.
Patients with scheduled appointments will be contacted by the Therapy Services staff to reschedule their visits.
The HSA apologises for the inconvenience caused and wants to emphasise that the health and safety of our patients is our top priority. The department will reopen tomorrow during regular hours from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
For inquiries regarding our Therapy Services, including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech and language therapy, please email info@hsa.ky.
Updated at 10:11AM - Traffic Update as of 10:00am
One northbound and one southbound lane of the Esterley Tibbetts Highway, between the AL Thompson’s roundabout and the Jay Bodden Highway, have now been reopened to vehicular traffic. A 20 mph speed limit is in effect.
Traffic remains heavy along West Bay Road.
Motorists are urged to proceed with caution and follow all instructions from officers when travelling through these areas.
Stay tuned for official updates by visiting https://gov.ky/ and following @caymanprepared
Updated at 8:31AM - LANDFILL FIRE | 7:30 am CIFS Operational Update
Good morning, this is an update from the Cayman Islands Fire Service on the George Town Landfill Fire, as of 7:30 am, Friday, the 17th of April.
Fire crews remain on scene and have made significant progress overnight, with the top sections of the landfill now estimated to be approximately 85% contained. While major flames have been reduced, some surface flare-ups continue in isolated areas, which crews are actively managing.
Operations remain focused on extinguishing hot spots, reinforcing containment measures, and preventing any further spread.
Two officers were transported for medical evaluation during the night and are receiving care at George Town Hospital.
Fire crews continue to work diligently, and we thank the public for their patience and cooperation. Further updates will be provided as necessary.
Stay tuned for official updates by visiting https://gov.ky/ and following @caymanprepared
Updated 7:45 AM - Traffic Update: Esterley Tibbetts Highway Remains Closed
As of 6:00 a.m. this morning, Friday, 17 April 2026, the Esterley Tibbetts Highway remains closed between the Butterfield Roundabout and the Jay Bodden Highway as the Cayman Islands Fire Service (CIFS) continues active fire suppression operations at the George Town landfill.
This closure remains in effect until further notice.
Due to traffic congestion on West Bay Road, motorists travelling towards West Bay and Seven Mile Beach are encouraged to travel via Industrial Park, Sparky Drive and the Jay Bodden Highway, as traffic on this alternate route is moving more freely.
The Royal Cayman Islands Police Service continues to closely monitor the situation and will reopen the roadway as soon as it is safe to do so.
Updated 11:12 PM - Landfill Fire – Operational Update
As of 11:00 p.m. this evening, the Cayman Islands Fire Service (CIFS) is making steady progress in the containment efforts of the landfill fire, with continued suppression and hot-spot monitoring. At this time, the CIFS cannot share an official containment percentage as portions of the fire continue to reignite. Special emphasis is being placed on ensuring the fire remains contained in the current area and that crews are not overwhelmed by changing conditions throughout the response.
Additional manpower has been assigned to support personnel rotation and sustained overnight operations.
Current resources include:
Update on Road Closures
The Esterley Tibbetts Highway remains closed between the Butterfield Roundabout and the Jay Bodden Highway. This closure is expected to remain in effect overnight and into tomorrow morning, 17 April, as conditions remain hazardous for vehicular traffic in the area.
Members of the public, particularly those who commute from the West Bay and Seven Mile Beach areas, are encouraged to work from home where possible, or consider staggering travel times into town. Motorists travelling into town can either travel along the Esterley Tibbetts Highway and divert onto Jay Bodden Drive and through Industrial Park, or use West Bay Road. Otherwise, persons should avoid travelling in nearby areas where possible.
The Royal Cayman Islands Police Service continues to closely monitor the situation and will reopen the roadway as soon as it is safe to do so.
Department of Environmental Health Waste Collection/Landfill Operations
The landfill will be closed to the public tomorrow, with only Department of Environmental Health vehicles and emergency vehicles allowed.
However, the 24-hour drop-off site at the entrance to the George Town Landfill remains open for the disposal of small quantities of household waste. The access is via Seymour Drive, off North Sound Road.
Members of the public are also advised that DEH garbage collection services will take place tomorrow as normal.
School Closures
Due to the landfill fire, several schools in the affected area will be closed tomorrow, Friday 17 April. These include;
Update on Air Quality Testing
The Department of Environmental Health has been conducting regular air quality testing in the surrounding areas impacted by smoke. The results indicate that, while most locations recorded acceptable levels, there are concerns at the Lakeside area, where elevated readings were detected.
As a precautionary measure, it is recommended that residents living near the St George’s Preschool and St George’s Anglican Church limit outdoor activities until conditions improve.
Another air quality test will be carried out tomorrow.
Updated 9:13 PM - Landfill Fire - Update on Containment Efforts
The Cayman Islands Fire Service (CIFS) is actively working on the containment of the fire at the George Town landfill and is extinguishing all small spot fires that may occur. The fire was initially reported in one of the active fill areas facing the Esterly Tibbetts Highway.
There is currently no estimation for the square footage of the landfill affected by the fire. However, due to smoke plumes drifting across George Town and toward the shoreline, the area affected by the smoke is significantly larger than the actual fire footprint.
Chief Fire Officer, Dwight "Randy” Rankin noted, “A landfill fire is particularly complex, not only because of the wide variety of materials present, but also due to deep-seated burning, possible methane gas pockets, and intense internal heat that can persist even after visible flames have been extinguished.”
There are multiple CIFS resources currently deployed and supporting suppression efforts, including Tanker 1, Tanker 1-2, and a trailer pump. The Royal Cayman Islands Police Service has deployed drones to aid in monitoring the containment efforts. Emergency Medical Services are also onsite to offer medical aid to firefighters due to smoke. For their safety, officers will be rotating through the evening.
The Department of Public Safety Communications (911) is using the national CCTV cameras and monitoring the spread of smoke to the surrounding area.
The Department of Environmental Health is conducting air quality tests in the vicinity and liaising with the Ministry of Health, Environment and Sustainability ensure the air quality remains within public health thresholds.
Update for Surrounding Areas
Residents in affected areas should remain indoors, keeping windows and doors closed where possible. While it has not been declared unsafe, persons living within the vicinity who wish to evacuate may do so. The Cayman Islands Red Cross shelter is now open for persons affected by the landfill fire. The shelter is located at 34 Huldah Avenue, across from the Market at the Cricket Grounds. Individuals in need of a safe space are encouraged to make their way to the shelter. Please note that parking is limited and pets are not permitted.
Update for Schools in Vicinity
The Ministry of Education and Training, and the Department of Education Services have made the decision to close Marie Martin Primary School (formerly George Town Primary School) on Friday, 17 April 2026. Schools located in the vicinity of the landfill have also been notified to close.
Throughout this evening, the CIFS will continue water application, cooling and the use of heavy equipment/excavators to expose deep hot spots.
Update on Road Closures
Esterly Tibbetts Highway between the Camana Bay Roundabout and Butterfield Roundabout will remain closed until further notice, while the RCIPS actively monitoring smoke movement and support the CIFS and partner agencies in the ongoing containment effort.
A further operational update will be provided at 11:00 p.m.
Updated 8:49 PM Landfill Fire – School Closure
Due to the ongoing landfill fire, the Ministry of Education and Training, and the Department of Education Services have made the decision to close Marie Martin Primary School (formerly George Town Primary School) on Friday, 17 April 2026. Schools located in the vicinity of the landfill have also been notified to close.
Road closures in the affected area remain in effect, with the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS) actively monitoring smoke movement and supporting the Cayman Islands Fire Service (CIFS) and partner agencies in the ongoing containment effort.
Updated 6:59 PM - Public Health Advisory – Smoke Exposure Guidance
The Department of Environmental Health advises that smoke from landfill fires may affect air quality in surrounding communities. While no formal public health emergency has been declared, precautionary measures are strongly encouraged.
General public guidance
Persons most at risk
Extra precautions should be taken by:
Health symptoms to monitor (seek medical care if experienced)
Anyone experiencing these symptoms following smoke exposure should seek medical attention.
Additional guidance for vulnerable groups
Individuals with pre-existing medical conditions:
Ensure prescribed medications, including inhalers and cardiac medications, are readily available. Where possible, remain indoors with air conditioning on recirculate and minimise outdoor exposure.
Children and schools:
Schools in affected areas are advised to keep windows closed, use air recirculation systems, and avoid outdoor activities until further notice. Parents should ensure children with asthma have access to medication.
Pregnant women:
Pregnant women are advised to remain indoors where possible and avoid exposure to smoke. Medical advice should be sought if respiratory symptoms or concerns arise.
Elderly residents and care settings:
Care facilities and caregivers are encouraged to ensure adequate ventilation control, monitor residents for respiratory symptoms, and minimise exposure to outdoor air.
Outdoor and essential workers:
Employers operating in affected areas should limit outdoor exposure where possible and provide appropriate respiratory protection, including N95 masks where prolonged exposure cannot be avoided.
Indoor air quality guidance
The most effective protection is to remain indoors with clean air:
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and will provide further updates as they become available.