Fire at Anguilla Landfill Forces Temporary Closure Amidst Ongoing Waste Management Challenges

Blaze breaks out at St. Croix's primary waste facility, sending smoke toward Henry E. Rohlsen Airport. The incident highlights ongoing issues as officials pursue a $51 million expansion to extend the landfill's lifespan and address environmental concerns

The Anguilla Landfill on St. Croix was temporarily closed on Sunday after a fire broke out in the working phase of the landfill's south side, the V.I. Waste Management Authority announced. WMA has advised the public to avoid the area while firefighting efforts continue. The V.I. Fire and Emergency Medical Service, WMA personnel, and the landfill contractor are collaborating to fully extinguish the flames, according to the release.

As plumes of smoke billowed westward, the nearby Henry E. Rohlsen Airport was affected, with the sky visibly impacted by the smoke. Despite this, there were no reported flight interruptions. The landfill is expected to remain closed until noon on Monday, while efforts to fully contain the fire proceed. The V.I. Department of Health will be assessing the situation and is expected to provide further updates to the community, WMA reported. The incident brings renewed attention to the ongoing challenges facing waste management on St. Croix, particularly at the Anguilla Landfill, which has long been a focal point of solid waste disposal on the island.