Spontaneous Fire at St. Kitts’ Solid Waste Management Corporation (SWMC) Landfill

Update from the Minister of Sustainable Development and Environment

Basseterre, St. Kitts, February 27, 2025 (SKNIS): Minister of Sustainable Development and Environment, the Honourable Dr. Joyelle Clarke, updated the nation on a recent fire at the Solid Waste Management Corporation (SWMC) Landfill at Conaree, noting that it spontaneously combusted due to the natural heat and gases generated from decomposing materials.

While addressing the Federal Parliament on Thursday, February 27, 2025, Minister Clarke indicated that the fire was reported at approximately 1 a.m. on Tuesday, February 25, 2025. Plant operators supported by members of the St. Kitts and Nevis Fire and Rescue Services have contained the fire and are closely monitoring ongoing developments.

Fire Containment and Ongoing Efforts

“Unfortunately it will have to burn naturally and we expect that in a few days, or maybe even less, the situation will be under control,” Honourable Clarke stated. “We do sincerely apologize to residents in St. Peter’s, Cayon, in some areas, Keys, and Conaree, who have been experiencing this unfortunate situation.”

Rapidly Approaching Expiration Date and Alternative Solutions

Dr. Clarke reiterated that the Conaree Landfill is rapidly approaching its “expiration date” and stated that the government is continuing to explore alternative waste management and recycling solutions.

Support from CARICOM-Canada Expert Deployment Exercise

“With the support of the CARICOM-Canada expert deployment exercise, we recently received the final draft of our Solid Waste Management Plan Report. It’s almost 100 pages of what we can do – the options that are available to us for transitioning away from the landfill,” Honourable Clarke added.

Transforming St. Kitts and Nevis into a Sustainable Island State

The document will guide the government’s next steps as it works to transform St. Kitts and Nevis into a sustainable island state.

Conclusion

The government is committed to finding alternative solutions to the country’s waste management challenges and is working towards a more sustainable future.

FAQs

Q: What caused the fire at the SWMC Landfill?
A: The fire was caused by the natural heat and gases generated from decomposing materials.
Q: How is the fire being contained?
A: Plant operators supported by members of the St. Kitts and Nevis Fire and Rescue Services have contained the fire and are closely monitoring ongoing developments.
Q: What is the plan for the Conaree Landfill?
A: The government is exploring alternative waste management and recycling solutions, and the Conaree Landfill is rapidly approaching its “expiration date”.