The National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) says a fire broke out at the active disposal zone of the Cook’s Sanitary Landfill on Friday evening.

In a media release dated 28 February, the authority said the blaze began at about 18:30 local time on 27 February. While crews have been working to extinguish the flames, the site remains smouldering, producing lingering fumes.

The NSWMA thanked government stakeholders, as well as landfill management and staff, for what it described as their swift response in bringing the fire under control.

However, it apologised to surrounding communities for disruptions caused by smoke and poor air quality.

Residents with respiratory conditions have been advised to remain indoors or take precautionary measures.

The authority said it is committed to reducing hazardous incidents at the landfill as efforts continue to fully extinguish the fire.

The landfill is located near St. John’s in Antigua and Barbuda.