In Panama, a new fire at an improvised landfill in the Cárdenas sector was reported on Tuesday morning, marking the third such incident at the same location between late December 2025 and early January 2026. To extinguish the flames, the Fire Department dispatched a rapid intervention vehicle, two tankers, an ambulance, and an estimated crew of 10 units, with additional support from the Sanitation Authority, confirmed Lieutenant Juan Bonifatti. Firefighters had to pour water and concentrated F-500 agent on the burning waste while spreading it out to eliminate hot spots that cause the emission of toxic smoke from combustion at the bottom of the landfill. According to the preliminary assessment, the affected area is approximately 10 square meters, Bonifatti detailed. As a preventive measure, the population was kept away from the area due to the risks posed by the land and the accumulation of waste, while surveillance and cooling operations continue at the site. A similar fire was reported at the same location on December 29.
