Fire Commander Winston Salomon is calling on the community to be very conscious of not throwing out lighted cigarettes or matches that could result in bush fires due to the dry spell that the island is currently experiencing.
Persons who would like to burn bush or rubbish in a built up area or on a hillside for agricultural activities, should first contact the fire department for advice. The inappropriate use of fire can endanger lives, property and the environment.
"Fires can get out of control. A person can help by reducing bush fire hazards by acting responsibly. First of all, don’t throw out of a driving vehicle lighted cigarette butts or matches.
"For those wanting to burn bush on the hillside or a yard fire to get rid of unwanted litter, just give us a call and we can give some basic guidelines before you use this method called ‘burning off’. At all times you are expected to act responsibly to ensure that a fire is safe and under control.
"Careful planning is essential if you plan to use fire for the aforementioned reasons given. It must be done in an efficient manner. It must be done safely where the burning off is done in a controlled manner and is not left to chance, and it must be done in a manner that it doesn’t endanger your neighborhood," Fire Commander Salomon told the Government Information Service (GIS).
Those seeking information can contact the Fire Department at 542-1215, 542-1217, 542-6001 or emergency number 919.