Emergency teams have partially contained the fire that broke out at the Fond Cole Landfill earlier this week. According to the Dominica Solid Waste Management Corporation (DSWMC), flames that initially spread rapidly through the disposal site have since been brought under control. However, efforts continue to extinguish any lingering hotspots thoroughly.
Public Relations Officer Jeno Jacob confirmed that a significant part of the fire was contained by Tuesday evening, and cleanup has already begun in affected sections. However, he cautioned that complete remediation will take time. “We expect some flare-ups, especially in deep layers of the waste where oxygen may still be trapped,” Jacob said.
The fire, which began late Monday, sent plumes of smoke across parts of Roseau and surrounding communities, prompting concern from residents and businesses in the area. Environmental health officials are monitoring air quality, and the public has been advised to avoid the vicinity if possible until conditions stabilize.
Jacob added that the Corporation’s response was supported by the Dominica Fire and Ambulance Services Division and the Office of Disaster Management. “We had the Fire Service on-site working with us, and they were instrumental in helping us contain the spread,” he said.
While the cause of the blaze is still under investigation, landfill fires are often linked to spontaneous combustion within decomposing waste. Authorities are urging individuals to properly separate and dispose of flammable items such as batteries and chemicals to help reduce risk.
No injuries have been reported, but DSWMC officials say the incident underscores the urgent need for modernized waste management practices and improved fire prevention systems at the site.
Cleanup crews will remain on-site in the coming days to continue extinguishing residual heat pockets and to secure the affected zones.
Further updates will be provided by the Corporation as the situation progresses.
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