ORANJESTAD - Residents of St. Eustatius experienced deteriorating air quality conditions as smoke from a landfill fire in St. Kitts drifted across the Caribbean waters during the early hours of Wednesday, February 26, 2025.
The incident began around 1:00 AM when a fire broke out at the Conaree Landfill in St. Kitts. While the blaze itself remained relatively contained, it generated substantial smoke that was carried by wind currents to surrounding areas, including St. Eustatius.
The St. Kitts Fire Department immediately responded to the scene and has maintained an active presence at the site. As of Thursday afternoon, while the fire is under control, the affected area continues to smolder, though smoke emissions have significantly decreased from their initial levels.
Precautions
Public Health officials on Statia are advising residents who experience discomfort to take necessary precautions. These include limiting time spent outdoors and keeping windows and doors closed when possible. Individuals experiencing respiratory issues are encouraged to contact their healthcare provider.
The Public Entity St. Eustatius maintains close communication with authorities in St. Kitts regarding the situation.
