At approximately 3:00 A.M., a report was made to the Cayman Islands Fire Service (CIFS)
after a small fire was identified in a freshly deposited waste on the western side of the
landfill and brought it under control quickly.
DEH and CIFS personnel continue working together to wet down the affected area and
monitor the site to prevent any recurrence. Preliminary information indicates that the fire
originated in freshly placed garbage. While the cause remains under investigation, DEH is
reminding residents to exercise caution when disposing of household waste, particularly
batteries and other potentially flammable materials.
Last Friday, DEH staff intercepted four separate incidents in which batteries ignited while
being handled at the landfill. Thanks to the quick actions of staff, the fires were contained
before they could spread.
The DEH urges the public not to dispose of batteries in household garbage, as damaged or
improperly discarded batteries, especially rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, can ignite when
crushed or punctured during waste collection and handling, posing a significant fire risk to
staff, waste management facilities and the wider community.
For additional information, please contact the DEH