Story updated at 9:42 a.m on Friday, Sept. 15, 2023.

The V.I. Fire and Emergency Medical Services announced the conclusion of its suppression operations at the Bovoni Landfill. Officials stated that a firefighting crew will continue to monitor the site to address any potential smoldering areas.

All advisories issued to surrounding communities have been lifted. Residents and businesses can now resume their normal activities without any concern. VIFEMS expressed gratitude to the community for their understanding and cooperation during the operation. In an alert this morning, the Dept. of Education said the Bertha C. Boschulte Middle School will remain closed today.

There have been no reported injuries in connection with the landfill fire. The cause of the fire has been identified as spontaneous combustion within vegetation debris. The operation involved fifty-one on and off-duty personnel, including additional support from A9 Trucking, Sleepy Trucking & Water Delivery, and St. Thomas Rescue. The teams played pivotal roles in containing the fire.

St. Thomas/St. John Fire Chief Clarence Stephenson commended the efforts of the crews, stating, "Our Suppression and EMS crews have been working diligently in shifts since they were dispatched at 5:30 a.m. We employed a combined use of pumpers, tankers, and excavation machinery to eliminate hot spots and coordinate flanking methods to bring the fire under control.”

VIFEMS expressed gratitude and appreciation for the persistence and collaborative spirit of their firefighting teams. The operation is now fully contained, and the agency expressed confidence in the capabilities of their teams.

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