Smoke billowed westward on Sunday, Oct. 21, 2024, reaching the nearby Henry E. Rohlsen Airport and beyond, as emergency personnel worked to extinguish the fire. Photo Credit: ERNICE GILBERT, V.I. CONSORTIUM
The V.I. Waste Management Authority has announced that the Anguilla Landfill is temporarily closed on Friday due to an "unexpected flare-up." This incident follows a previous fire that led to the landfill's closure on Sunday. The site had reopened late Monday before being shut down again due to the latest flare-up.
In a statement, the authority said the closure was a precautionary measure taken to prioritize the safety of residents in the surrounding area.
According to the release, emergency response teams, including personnel from the V.I. Fire and Emergency Medical Service, WMA, and contracted workers at the landfill, have been mobilized to contain and extinguish the fire. Efforts are ongoing to bring the situation under control, with authorities assuring the public that they are doing everything possible to mitigate the impact on the community.
The Waste Management Authority urged residents near the landfill to exercise caution and avoid exposure to any smoke coming from the area, citing concerns over potential health risks. "Your health and well-being are of utmost importance to us," the authority stated, while advising residents to take appropriate precautions.
WMA also apologized for the inconvenience caused by the landfill's closure. The agency has committed to providing updates as the situation evolves.
