Virgin Gorda Dumpsite Closed Following Fire
The Virgin Gorda Dumpsite has been temporarily closed as emergency personnel work to contain a persistent fire that began over the weekend. Heavy smoke continues to affect nearby areas, prompting health officials to issue advisories urging residents to stay indoors and keep windows closed. Vulnerable groups, including individuals with respiratory conditions, have been advised to take extra safety precautions.
Emergency response teams are working diligently to contain an ongoing blaze at the Virgin Gorda Dumpsite, leading officials to temporarily shut down the facility to the public. According to an advisory from the Ministry of Health and Social Development, the fire originally started around noon on Saturday, September 26.
In response, the Department of Waste Management mobilized a joint operation alongside the Virgin Islands Fire and Rescue Service and local private contractors to bring the situation under control. Although responders have undertaken smothering operations to extinguish sections of the blaze, the fire has continued to burn and generate heavy smoke across the surrounding area.
Emergency crews worked well into the night, and a broader coordinated operation is underway to suppress the flames and secure the perimeter. To ensure the safety of both the public and active response teams, the dumpsite remains fully closed until further notice. Residents and motorists are strongly urged to stay away from the vicinity so emergency vehicles and heavy equipment can operate without hindrance.
Due to the thick smoke spreading across neighboring communities, health officials are urging area residents to stay indoors as much as possible with all doors and windows kept tightly shut. Outdoor physical activities and exercise should be avoided while smoke conditions persist. Public health authorities emphasized that vulnerable populations require heightened vigilance.
Individuals diagnosed with asthma, cardiovascular issues, or other chronic respiratory conditions, as well as infants, young children, and older adults, should take additional steps to limit their exposure to the smoke. Anyone suffering from severe coughing, difficulty breathing, dizziness, nausea, or a worsening of existing health conditions is advised to seek medical attention immediately.
The Ministry of Health and Social Development stated that it will continue to closely monitor conditions alongside emergency responders and will release additional updates as progress is made at the site.
Primary source: BVI Government