WATCH: Fire at Cook’s Landfill Raises Air Quality Concerns in Surrounding Communities

Published
Firefighters engage fire at Cooks Landfill

Emergency crews are working to contain a fire that broke out at the Cook’s Sanitary Landfill, prompting health concerns for residents in nearby areas.

The National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) confirmed that the blaze started at approximately 10:00 p.m last night and has since been the focus of ongoing firefighting efforts. Authorities have not yet indicated what may have caused the fire.

Residents have reported smoke and reduced air quality, leading the Authority to issue an advisory, particularly for individuals with respiratory conditions. Those affected are being encouraged to remain indoors or take precautionary measures to limit exposure.

GALLERY OF IMAGES BELOW (swipe or use arrows to scroll left and right)

The NSWMA has apologized for the disruption caused, acknowledging the impact on daily activities in surrounding communities. Despite the situation, the landfill remains open, though users are being urged to proceed with caution while operations continue under challenging conditions.

Officials say they are closely monitoring the situation and will provide further updates if conditions worsen.

The Authority has also signaled its intention to implement stronger safeguards to reduce the likelihood of similar incidents in the future.

This story was first published by Antigua News on : antigua.news/2026/04/20/watch-fire-at-cooks-landfill-raises-air-quality-concerns-in-surrounding-communities. © 2026 Antigua News. Republication without permission is not allowed.

Step 1

Add Antigua.news to your Home Screen

✕ antigua.news ⋯ Open in Safari Copy link Share…

First, open this page in Safari

You are reading inside another app (Instagram, Facebook…). Tap ⋯ at the top right and choose Open in Safari (or Open in browser).

No such option? Copy the link, open Safari and paste it in the address bar.

⚙️ Settings General › Software Update

Update your iPhone first

Alerts need iOS 16.4 or newer. Open Settings → General → Software Update and install the update. You can still add the icon now: tap Next.

‹ antigua.news ⋯

Tap the ⋯ button

It is at the bottom right of Safari, next to the address bar. Don't see the bar? Scroll up a little.

Share Add Bookmark New Tab Find on Page

Tap Share

It is the first option of the menu, with a square-and-arrow icon.

antigua.news ‹ › ▢ ⧉

Tap the Share button

The square with an arrow pointing up, in the middle of the bar at the bottom (on iPad: at the top right).

antigua.news

Tap the Share button

The square with an arrow, at the right of the address bar at the top. (Firefox: tap ☰ at the bottom, then Share.)

Copy Add to Reading List Add to Home Screen

Tap Add to Home Screen

Scroll down the list to find it (icon: a square with a +). Not there? Tap Edit Actions or View More at the bottom.

Cancel Add to Home Screen Add Antigua.news Open as Web App

Keep Open as Web App on, then tap Add

The switch must be green — without it, alerts can't work. Then tap Add at the top right.

Cancel Add to Home Screen Add Antigua.news An icon will be added to your Home Screen so you can quickly access this website.

Tap Add

At the top right. If you see an Open as Web App switch, leave it on (green).

Antigua.news

Close the browser and open Antigua.news from its new icon

Go to your Home Screen: the Antigua.news icon is there now (swipe left if you don't see it). Alerts only work when you open us from this icon.

“Antigua.news” Would Like to Send You Notifications Notifications may include alerts, sounds and icon badges. Don’t Allow Allow

Tap 🔔 Turn on alerts, then Allow

In the app you will see a red box asking to turn on alerts: choose your sections, tap the button, then tap Allow. That's it — breaking news will reach you even with the phone locked.

Shermain Bique-Charles

About the author

Shermain Bique-Charles is an accomplished journalist with over 24 years of dynamic experience in the industry. Renowned for her exceptional storytelling and investigative skills, she has garnered numerous awards that highlight her commitment to journalistic integrity and excellence. Her work not only informs but also inspires, making her a respected voice in the field.

Read our editorial standards and corrections policy. Spotted an error? Contact the newsroom.

Comments (11)

  • Jasmine April 20, 2026, 1:01 PM

    This is a massive blaze right here. I hope it’s contained at soonest. This is bad for people
    Reply
  • Antigua Surf April 20, 2026, 1:02 PM

    This keeps happening and every time it’s the same response, fire, apology, advisory. People are tired of breathing smoke and being told to just “stay indoors.”
    Reply
  • Hasani April 20, 2026, 1:03 PM

    Credit to the firefighters and emergency teams working under difficult conditions. These situations are not easy to control.
    Reply
  • Devorne Carter April 20, 2026, 1:05 PM

    These kinds of incidents remind us how important proper waste management systems are. It’s not just about disposal, it’s about safety.
    Reply
  • Apex Jones April 20, 2026, 1:09 PM

    Damn I feel sorry for the people who live in this area
    Reply
  • Rika April 20, 2026, 1:16 PM

    This is really frightening because it’s not just a fire, it’s the smoke people are breathing in right now. You can’t see air quality, but you can feel it in your chest. Families with children, elderly people, and anyone with asthma are the ones suffering the most in situations like this. It honestly feels like these communities are being left to deal with the same problem over and over again without real long-term protection.
    Reply
  • Lisha April 20, 2026, 1:17 PM

    Stay safe everyone, especially those with asthma.
    Reply
  • Informed citizen April 20, 2026, 1:43 PM

    There must be a cause of these fires we cant just trivialize them. So because we poor then
    Reply
  • Mel April 20, 2026, 1:46 PM

    Seems like that landfill is always on fire.
    Reply
  • D.I April 20, 2026, 6:51 PM

    Something needs to be done a out this constant fire at cooks. The kind of smoke i saw there is serious enough to make people sick
    Reply
  • Lena April 20, 2026, 8:17 PM

    Why are we having these repeated fires are that placee
    Reply

Submit a comment

More from Antigua and Barbuda

View section