Landfill fire in Dominican Republic creates heavy smoke, investigation launched

A fire at the municipal landfill in Higüerito, Espaillat province, has blanketed several communities in thick smoke since Sunday afternoon, prompting a multi-unit firefighting response.

The blaze, which began around 3:00 p.m. Sunday, has generated significant smoke that is impacting Higüerito and extending to neighboring areas such as La Ortega, Puñal, and Licey al Medio. The smoke has even been detected in parts of Santiago de los Caballeros and near the Cibao International Airport.

Danny Pérez, the director of the Higüerito municipal district, reported that the fire is under control but crews are still working to extinguish remaining hotspots and prevent further spread. Firefighters from Moca, San Víctor, Juan López, and other communities have joined the effort since Sunday.

Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire, with Pérez stating they are looking into whether it was intentionally set. This incident is part of a concerning trend, as at least four other landfills in the Dominican Republic's northern region have caught fire in recent days, including those in Fantino, Sánchez Ramírez, Sabana Iglesia, and La Canela.