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VG residents urged to remain indoors due to dumpsite fire

Residents of Virgin Gorda have been asked to remain indoors, due to a massive fire at the dumpsite on that island. Photo: Team of Reporters
The Department of Waste Management has warned that the developing smoke can contain hazardous particles that may pose risks to individuals, especially those with existing respiratory ailments. Photo: Team of Reporters
The Department of Waste Management has warned that the developing smoke can contain hazardous particles that may pose risks to individuals, especially those with existing respiratory ailments. Photo: Team of Reporters
Community advocate and former legislator Shereen D. Flax-Charles told our News Centre that all available water trucks, excavators, dump trucks and other heavy equipment needed were volunteered by private contractors on Virgin Gorda. Photo: Team of Reporters
Community advocate and former legislator Shereen D. Flax-Charles told our News Centre that all available water trucks, excavators, dump trucks and other heavy equipment needed were volunteered by private contractors on Virgin Gorda. Photo: Team of Reporters
According to reports reaching our News Centre the fire at the Virgin Gorda Dumpsite was noticed yesterday, September 26, 2026. Photo: Team of Reporters
According to reports reaching our News Centre the fire at the Virgin Gorda Dumpsite was noticed yesterday, September 26, 2026. Photo: Team of Reporters
SPANISH TOWN, Virgin Gorda, VI- Residents of Virgin Gorda have been asked to remain indoors due to a fire at the dumpsite on that island.

According to reports reaching our News Centre the fire was noticed yesterday, September 26, 2026.

The Department of Waste Management (DWM), in an update late last night, said it recognises there were "some challenges tonight which affected the response".

DWM said it has enlisted a fleet of private contractors from Tortola who will aid in a multi-faceted fire containment strategy. Both water and dump trucks will be on-site for extinguishment and smothering.

DWM also warned that the developing smoke can contain hazardous particles that may pose risks to individuals, especially those with existing respiratory ailments. "Should you encounter any medical difficulties, please contact health services immediately."

VG rallies to address dumpsite fire

Community advocate and former legislator Shereen D. Flax-Charles told our News Centre that all available water trucks, excavators, dump trucks and other heavy equipment needed were volunteered by private contractors on Virgin Gorda.

"As always, the Virgin Gorda community assists in whatever way they can," Flax-Charles told our News Centre.

Flax-Charles also took the opportunity to point out that Virgin Gorda does not have adequate firefighting equipment, "as witnessed from recent fire incidents, most recently the Omars’ VG fire.

"At one point last evening, the fire appliance from Fire and Rescue was on site, but no water was available," Flax-Charles said.

She said the dump remains closed and could pose another issue in the coming days if the problem is not rectified. "We are hopeful that the entire situation is resolved soonest with the assistance of all involved."

Our News Centre has contacted Ninth District Representative Hon Vincent O. Wheatley (R7) for an update on the situation.

18 Responses to “VG residents urged to remain indoors due to dumpsite fire ”

  • Medieval (27/09/2026, 08:57) Like (17) Dislike (0) Reply
    These kinds of events illustrate the Territory’s negligent waste management practices. There is just no plan in evidence. Same with sewage. Just like the middle ages. Just another of Nature’s little secrets.
    • jerome (27/09/2026, 12:18) Like (8) Dislike (2) Reply
      WAIT! Doesn't VG have its own Fire Department with dump trucks and water equipment? This is outrageous! I would not have guessed that. What is the government doing with the money to handle these emergencies? I hope Jost Van Dyke and Anegada have the necessary equipment they need for these emergencies. I'm shocked!
  • Observer (27/09/2026, 10:14) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
    This is what happens when you put square pegs in round holes. They transferred the problem from Water and Sewerage to Waste Management Department. Bring back the Trini.
  • asura (27/09/2026, 10:25) Like (2) Dislike (3) Reply
    Thst women will flax charles will die playing politics
  • Mehson (27/09/2026, 11:15) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    playing russian roulette with lithium batteries and other volatile substances that shouldnt be at landfills but dont have proper recycling / sorting facilities
  • %100 raise (27/09/2026, 13:45) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    The heat from the sun is so hot, even water would catch fire.
  • VG Resident (27/09/2026, 14:02) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
    I AM TRYING MY BEST TO STAY INDOORS AND SEAL OFF MY WINDOWS AND DOORS WITH PLASTIC AND KEEP THE AC RUNNING. I AM COUGHING AND SNEEZING FROM THE SCENT OF WHATEVER IS IN THAT DUMP BURNING. I AGREE, THEY ARE PLAYING RUSSIAN ROULETTE WITH PEOPLE LIVES. YOU GUYS IS GOING TO FACE A MAJOR LAW SUIT ONE DAY THAT IS GOING TO CRIPPLE THE BVI IF YOU ALL DON’T GET THIS BS IN CHECK. MY DOG THAT NORMALLY BE IN THE BACKYARD IS NOT ALLOWED TO BE OUTSIDE IS NOT ALLOWED TO BE OUTSIDE TODAY.
    • jerome (27/09/2026, 17:40) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
      @VG Resident. Well, your dog will have to go outside fast to relieve itself. Not joking.
      • @Jerome (28/09/2026, 07:30) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
        From VG RESIDENT, SO YOU KNOW, THERE IS A THING CALLED A WEE, WEE PAD FOR DOGS. JUST LIKE THERE ARE POOP BAGS THAT YOU USE TO PICK UP DOG POOP FROM THE YARD OR WHEN YOU ARE TAKING THEM ON A WALK.
        • jerome (28/09/2026, 11:01) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
          @@Jerome. From VG resident. No, how would I know about your dog's wee-wee pad? I was not joking about animals having to go outside to relieve themselves. Most animal owners don't have this. Now, change the subject!
    • We Are in the Same Boat (28/09/2026, 08:17) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
      Wish better for us all. I live in the 1st District and that dumpsite is forever plaguing us. Every day, we only catch a break when we go to work but have to sleep through this every night. It is not for the weak. The real question is what, if anything, will ever be done to seriously address the problem. The method, while you only see occasional large fires, is CLEARLY NOT working bc we smell the burning ash and stench every single day. This deserves a class action lawsuit.
  • smd (27/09/2026, 15:24) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    The same thing happens at Pockwood Pond. Pile gets a little high just sneak in the middle of the night and torch it. It's standard operating procedure.
  • Transparent (27/09/2026, 20:17) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
    This burning dump is getting way out of control. You guys are killing people slowly but surely. There are so many different things that is burning in that dump. Who want to come for me or call me out, I don’t give a rats ass. To many people on the Island is dying from cancer which I believe is due to the poisonous toxins that is being released into the air from the burning dump that people is inhaling on a daily basis. All the money that is being wasted on stupid travel you mean that no one have the basic common sense to use some of the money to conduct a air quality test?
  • BuzzBvi (28/09/2026, 01:17) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Tourists can go out???
  • BuzzBvi (28/09/2026, 05:33) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Burning Virgin Islands.

    VI politicians will claim this is caused by climate change and ask for a sharen of environment money.

    Whilst they go around tearing out trees and mangroves and destroying corals.

    A place to be proud of?????

    Lets have a picture of a Criminal on the walls of our House of Assembly.

    That will make people proud.
  • VG (28/09/2026, 07:07) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply

    This is when you put square pegs in round goles. Up to now not a peep from Butch, Brian, it sooo embarasing yesterday to heavy Equipment, trucks load of water coming over from Tórtola to help with this sh**, VG needs to be rescued, after inhaling this toxic mesa you can't go to the clinic because it's a make shift Camp

  • Priorities (28/09/2026, 10:03) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    But yet we can spend-
    -$623,230 on a D Orlando Smith sign
    -$798,108.74 on a 40 yard stretch of road by Noel Lloyd park
    -$1,076,796 for an elevator at the admin complex.


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