Subsurface fires have been identified at the Lagun landfill on Bonaire. These fires can spread without being visible and may pose risks to nearby communities and the environment. To address this, Selibon and the Public Entity of Bonaire (OLB) launched a targeted response on March 18.
Over the past week, landfill specialist Afvalzorg reassessed the site and mapped the affected areas. Based on this assessment, a step-by-step plan is now in place, starting with the locations that carry the highest risk. The fires are spread across multiple sections of the landfill and may be connected below the surface, requiring a careful, phased approach over several days.
Work is carried out daily between 8:00 AM and 3:00 PM. During this time, crews open specific areas, extinguish the fires, and safely cover the ground again. Equipment such as water trucks and soil cover is used to keep conditions stable and prevent further spread.
While every effort is made to minimize disruption, nearby residents may temporarily notice smoke or odor. Anyone experiencing nuisance can contact the OLB at +599 777 2243.
At the same time, OLB, Selibon, and Afvalzorg are working on a long-term solution. The landfill is continuously monitored, even when no fires are visible. A specialized dashboard tracks temperature changes and potential risks, allowing teams to respond quickly and address new hotspots early.
These efforts are aimed at stabilizing the landfill and reducing risks to the surrounding area.
