Landfill fire in Santo Domingo Este causes smoke and power outages

A large-scale fire at a transfer station near the former Cancino Adentro landfill in Santo Domingo Este has caused significant smoke pollution and community distress. The fire, which began early Saturday morning, has been approximately 80% controlled by the Santo Domingo Este Fire Department. Firefighters have utilized bulldozers, excavators, and water pumps from the Ozama River to combat the blaze, which has been fueled by accumulated tires and flammable gases from decomposing waste.

Residents of the Cancino Adentro sector report that the situation is critical due to the combination of dense smoke and prolonged electricity outages lasting between 15 and 24 hours daily. While local authorities and the Santo Domingo Water and Sewerage Corporation (Caasd) have provided support, residents have criticized the response as insufficient. The Council of Unified Electricity Distribution Companies (CUED) stated that the power interruptions are due to ongoing maintenance and system improvements.