Airport operator Skyport noted the dangers posed by a nearby government waste facility after a fire broke out at the landfill over the weekend.

A spokeswoman confirmed that the blaze started at the Public Works Waste Management Facility on Saturday near LF Wade Airport.

Air traffic control towers reported the incident to Skyport just before 11pm.

The Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service responded and doused the blaze significantly by about midnight.

The Skyport spokeswoman said that air and flight operations were unaffected by smoke, as winds blew it away from the airfield and terminal.

However, she added: “While there was no operational impact to the airport this time, given the precarious proximity, we remain cautiously mindful that this marks the second such incident in the area in the past year and follows a larger fire at the site in December 2023.”

Dana Lovell, the Chief Fire Officer, said firefighters from the Clearwater station were dispatched to the scene shortly after 11pm.

“Upon arrival, firefighters encountered a fire involving refuse materials near the water’s edge, measuring approximately 40 by 40 feet,” he said. “Firefighters operating in breathing apparatus worked vigorously to safely manage the conditions.

“Additional resources were deployed as required and an excavator machine was later utilised to assist with the control of the burning debris to ensure full extinguishment.

“The fire was brought under control and fully extinguished at approximately 1.15am, with crews completing operations and clearing the scene shortly thereafter. There were no reported injuries.”

Mr Lovell said an investigation into the cause continues and that operators from the waste treatment facility were co-operating with the BFRS.

The Government has been contacted regarding the incident.