Debris Processing Continues

The processing of Hurricane Ivan debris is forging ahead at the Frank Sound site. Already some 100,000 cubic yards of debris have been processed, with another 150,000 cubic yards left.

MC Restoration is currently trucking all remaining debris from other sites to the Frank Sound site for processing. Operations Manager for the Cayman Islands Recovery Operation (CIRO) Mark Scotland said the clearance of the other temporary sites — at Spotts-Newlands and the one behind the Civic Centre in Bodden Town — is on schedule.

After all debris has been dealt with, the Frank Sound site, as will all the other temporary sites, will be fully restored. Meanwhile the company has taken several precautions to protect site integrity; for instance, ensuring that the Frank Sound site is not located over a freshwater water lens, and sinking a well in the vicinity to ensure that there is ample water supply in the event of a fire.

Hazardous materials are also being isolated; but so far, debris being trucked to the site contain only a few batteries and empty paint cans.

Even though the MC Restoration cleanup is winding down, CIRO continues the call for people to clear their properties of dry leaves and grasses, dead trees and discarded construction materials, as these are all possible ‘fuel for fire.’

The Cayman Islands Fire Service has asked homeowners to be alert to the danger of brush fires and to take preventive steps to clean up and maintain their properties.

“Many people have been focused on repairing the inside of their homes and have neglected the growing piles of dry debris in their yards,” said Fire Officer Doorly McLaughlin. “Even homes still awaiting repair need to be checked to remove external fire hazards.”

Residents should especially look out for “ladder fuels” — debris such as dry tree limbs that link grass and tree tops and would allow a fire to ‘climb’ onto your home. Create “fuel-breaks”, Mr. McLaughlin advises – driveways, gravel walkways or lawns around the home where fire can’t spread — thereby removing dry fuel through which a fire could travel.

When planting trees, space them out carefully. Prune tree limbs so the lowest is between 6’ to 10’ from the ground and remove dead or overhanging branches.

Remove leaf clutter and dead vegetation from your roof and yard, mow regularly, and dispose of cuttings and debris promptly.