{"id":13583,"date":"2026-05-26T17:12:00","date_gmt":"2026-05-26T22:12:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/expat-times.com\/panama\/?p=13583"},"modified":"2026-05-25T11:57:46","modified_gmt":"2026-05-25T16:57:46","slug":"montijo-landfill-fire-forces-closure-after-toxic-smoke","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/expat-times.com\/panama\/environment\/montijo-landfill-fire-forces-closure-after-toxic-smoke\/","title":{"rendered":"Montijo Landfill Fire Forces Closure After Toxic Smoke"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Residents in Montijo, Panama, have forced the closure of a municipal landfill after a fire released toxic smoke into nearby neighborhoods. The blaze, which started this week, marks the first major landfill fire<\/strong> of 2026 in the Veraguas province<\/strong><\/a>. Local authorities are now scrambling for both immediate and long-term solutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The fire at the Montijo dump created a thick plume of hazardous fumes. Community members reported eye irritation and breathing difficulties. They blocked the entrance to the site, demanding action from municipal leaders. This protest effectively shut down garbage disposal operations for the entire area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Firefighters Face Logistical Nightmare at Burning Dump<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Colonel Eduardo Chen, chief of the Veraguas Fire Department, described the operation as extraordinarily difficult. His crews lack basic machinery and a reliable water supply at the remote location. Firefighters must constantly travel to refill their tanks, slowing every step of the response.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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If we don’t have support from a backhoe or a tractor, the work slows down and the fire regains strength. The problem is not just the flames, but the gases and the smoke that affect the communities. [Translated from Spanish]<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Chen explained that landfill fire<\/strong>s<\/a> present unique challenges compared to structure fires. The deep layers of burning waste can smolder for days or weeks. Without heavy equipment to dig out hot spots, crews can only attack the surface flames.<\/p>\n\n\n\n