WILLEMSTAD – Curaçao's Education and Science Sector has advised schools in Buena Vista, Heintje Kool, and surrounding areas to remain closed on Friday, October 23, 2026, as a precautionary measure following the major fire that broke out in the area.
The advisory was issued to school administrators to protect students, teachers, and other school personnel from potential dangers associated with the fire and its aftermath.
The schools specifically mentioned in the announcement are Skol pa Formashon Integral Tirso Martha, Juan Pablo Duarte VSBO and AGO, Skol Nechi Pietersz, and Emmy Berthold School, which is located in the Cola Debrot building.
According to the Education and Science Sector, the decision to recommend the closures was made because of safety concerns in neighborhoods surrounding the fire.
Authorities are urging parents and guardians not to send their children to school or allow them to walk through the affected neighborhoods, as conditions in the area could pose risks to their health and safety.
The advisory follows the large fire that prompted an extensive emergency response involving the Curaçao Fire Department, the Airport Fire Department, police, and several other organizations.
Residents in nearby neighborhoods have also been warned about smoke spreading through the surrounding communities.
Decision on Next Week's Classes Expected Over the Weekend
The Education and Science Sector indicated that it will continue monitoring the situation in consultation with the government agencies responsible for public safety.
Based on information provided by those authorities, the sector will announce during the weekend whether the affected schools can resume classes the following week.
The announcement means that parents, students, and school personnel should await further official instructions before assuming that regular classes will resume on Monday.
The Education and Science Sector apologized for the inconvenience caused by the precautionary measure.
The authorities emphasized that the safety of students, teachers, and everyone in the affected area remains the priority while emergency services continue addressing the consequences of the fire.