As a result of a period of dry spell affecting Dominica, the Fire and Ambulance services is reporting approximately 17 bush fires on Wednesday.
Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Fire and Ambulance Services, Wayne Letang told reporters on Thursday that the fires occurred between the hours of 10:30 am and 8:00 pm, with most actually set by individuals.
“One of the things we found out happening was that most of the fires were actually set by persons and those fires got out of hand,” Letang revealed.
In at least two areas, he said, residents had to be evacuated, “because the fire was posing a threat to their houses.”
“In Canefield, I know, they had to evacuate persons from their homes, also in Tarreau and also in Beau Bois area, for a certain period of time until the fires got under control … it was really affecting the homes” he stated. “We can also report that in the community of Tarreau, that one residential building got gutted by one of the fires and that fire did some minimal effect to another residential building.”
Letang further revealed that in the community of Mero, a boat was seriously damaged by a bush fire.
In that light, he is urging residents to be vigilant as the dry season continues.
The Fire and Ambulance Services continue to stress the need for vigilance during this dry period, and that citizens exercise caution with open flames,” he said. “We continue to advise persons to restrain from burning indiscriminately as these fires pose a serious threat to national security. The presence of abundant fuel, strong winds and reduced water poses the risk of rapid fire spread and the potential for a major disaster. Remember we are in the dry season, help us keep Dominica safe.
Letang had some words of caution for those who clear and burn lands as a form of agricultural practice.
“If you are doing inland clearing for agricultural purposes, you gather heaps instead of burning the entire area, but we would rather ask persons not to do any burning during this time of year,” he said.
Residents are also advised to conserve and ration water as there is likely to be a drop in the water pressure as a result of the dry spell.
The fires were reported in Loubiere, Beau Bois, Jimmit, Tarreau, Canefield, Mero, St. Joseph, Salisbury, Les Point, St. Aroment among others.
17!!!!! awa da people that is alot to much
for one day
I do not understand the mentality of person who create such destructions. this is your environment what do you gain from destroying your own area land or country.
When things get out of hand and the government will not be able to financially assist those whose homes burn down or is damaged, as well as perhaps losing their lives . Then who do you think these empty vessels will blame Skeritt and his ministers.
It is an offence to burn bush fires in Dominica during the dry season. There is a fine of approximately $500 XCD….
We talk about taking care of our environment. This is the time to do it. Let’s stop burning wild fires indiscriminately.
there is no dry bush in the concord valley, but the ad hoc burning of bush on a daily basis during this dry season is unconscionable. fed up with the smell of smoke everywhere.
Every where there is smoke there is fire and every where there is fire it is made by idle human being,,,bush fires are rarely accidental,this is a serious matter,lifes are in danger,.the faune is destroyed and erosion finally takes place which results to land slides and poor agriculture,,the public needs to be vigilent in order to catch the people that are responsible…
did you understand what you read,the statement written did not suggest arson,they said accidental,which could mean that someone could have been just burning bushes or waste,and it got out of control,your suggestion is saying,that bush fires are criminally done.
please learn to spell before handing out advise. it hurts my eyes and brain…
–educated fool
see you are even spreading it… *advice…
arrrrgh… gonna go swallow a dictionary now…
–educated fool
Hey people Bush burning season is CLOSED until further notice.
You would think by now we as Dominicans would understand this a bit more.