Fire official: 30% increase in bush fires for 2022

1 March 2022

Published by: https://tt.loopnews.com

TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO – Along with the dry season comes unwanted bush fires which results mostly in smoke pollution, smoke inhalation and the danger of spreading.

Keeping this in mind, the Trinidad and Tobago Fire Service is again reminding persons seeking to light a fire, even in your own property that permission must first be granted by officials.

Divisional Fire Prevention Officer Mukharji Rampersad says officers are concerned, as for the year 2022 so far there has been a 30% increase in fires compared to the same period in 2021.

“We are therefore asking people to be responsible in their activities and make sure they observe fire safety. If people want to burn their rubbish or discard their refuse in the bush fire season, please utilise the option available to visit the nearest fire station and engage our fire guardians where we will be issuing fire permits to conduct your exercise.”

Rampersad says should you fail to abide by this and start a fire without permission, you will be fined upwards of $20,000.

Last month, in an update via social media, the Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government said forest and bush fires can be started intentionally, accidentally or spontaneously, and pose dangers to people, property and the environment. 

The Ministry added that some fires are even set deliberately to carry out ‘slash and burn’ farming or for disposing of refuse. 

The Ministry said in order to reduce bush fires, the Disaster Management Units of the 14 Municipal Corporations are installing anti-bushfire signs at various locations across Trinidad.