TIMELINE: Navotas Sanitary Landfill fire

The still-burning Navotas Sanitary Landfill continues to pose health risks to residents in areas affected by deteriorating air quality.

Over the weekend, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources–Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) advised Metro Manila residents to wear face masks after “very unhealthy” levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) were recorded in parts of the capital region.

PM2.5 refers to tiny solid particles and liquid droplets measuring 2.5 micrometers or smaller in diameter that can penetrate deep into the lungs.

Experts warn that short-term exposure to PM2.5 may lead to serious health effects, including increased risk of premature death among people with heart or lung disease, nonfatal heart attacks, irregular heartbeat, aggravated asthma, reduced lung function, and worsening respiratory symptoms.

Meanwhile, residents in nearby areas, including Obando, Bulacan, were evacuated as smoke from the fire spread. Some evacuees have reported symptoms such as cough, colds, and fever after prolonged exposure.

Now on its 11th day, here is a timeline of the Navotas Sanitary Landfill fire:

• April 10 — A fire broke out at the non-operational Navotas Sanitary Landfill in Barangay Tanza on Friday evening.
• April 12 — Fire authorities declared the blaze, which started on April 10 and continued through April 11, under control.
• April 14 — More than 300 residents of Barangay Salambao in Obando, Bulacan were evacuated as smoke from the still-burning landfill reached their community.
• April 16 — Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon and other officials inspected the site. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said it would deploy additional heavy equipment and seek private sector assistance to extinguish the fire.
• April 17 — The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) said satellite data showed the smoke from the landfill had spread as far as Bataan.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) also reported poor air quality indices in affected areas due to the thick, acrid smoke, which may cause respiratory problems.

The landfill has been non-operational since 2025, but the Navotas City government said its former operator failed to implement proper closure and rehabilitation measures, leaving residual waste that is prone to catching fire during hot weather.—MCG, GMA News