Suspected Arson at Anegada Dumpsite – Majority
A fire at the Anegada dumpsite that began around 5:00 p.m. on Monday, May 11 is being treated as suspected arson, the Government of the Virgin Islands said. The Department of Waste Management, the Virgin Islands Fire and Rescue Services and the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force say most flames have been put out but lingering smoke remains and investigations are ongoing.
A fire broke out at the Anegada dumpsite on Monday, May 11 at about 5:00 p.m., authorities said in a Government of the Virgin Islands release. The Department of Waste Management, working with the Virgin Islands Fire and Rescue Services and the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force, responded to the scene and mounted efforts to extinguish the blaze.
Officials report that the majority of the flames have been extinguished, but lingering smoke remains in the area. The Fire and Rescue Services and police remained on site to fully secure the location and support investigators; no injuries have been reported to date, according to the government statement.
The incident is being treated as suspected arson while investigators seek to determine the cause and identify any persons responsible, the release said. Director of Waste Management Brian Davis warned the public that deliberately setting fires at the dumpsite is illegal and extremely dangerous. "This is not the first time this has happened," Mr.
Davis said, and he stressed that anyone found responsible will face criminal prosecution and other legal consequences. Residents are being urged to avoid the immediate vicinity of the dumpsite until air quality improves and to minimise exposure to smoke, especially people with respiratory conditions, children and the elderly.
The Ministry of Health and Social Development reiterated its commitment to protecting public health and advised staying indoors with windows closed where safe to do so, limiting outdoor activities, and seeking medical attention for breathing difficulties, chest pain, dizziness or other worrying symptoms.
For public health inquiries, the Ministry named Natasha Lettsome-Humphrey, Public Health Communications Specialist, as a contact at 468-2286 or nlettsome@gov.vg. The government release also provided contacts for reporting suspicious activity: the Department of Waste Management can be reached at 468-4934, and members of the public are encouraged to contact their local Royal Virgin Islands Police Force station with any information that may assist the investigation.
The Government statement noted the longstanding challenges of waste management and site security on Anegada, where the island’s remote location and limited resources can complicate prevention and response. Authorities said they have not ruled out additional enforcement measures and plan to increase monitoring to deter future incidents.
For general government services or to make inquiries, residents may call the Government of the Virgin Islands switchboard at 468-3701. International media enquiries should be directed to BVIGovernment@dgagroup.com, and the government also listed a WhatsApp contact for services at 1 (284) 468-9760.
Investigations and air quality assessments are ongoing. Officials said updates will be provided as more information becomes available and urged anyone who saw suspicious activity near the dumpsite on May 11 to come forward and report what they know to help authorities with their enquiries.
Primary source: BVI Government