As the dry season and periods of drought continue to plague the island, officials are warning citizens to desist from using farming techniques that are likely to cause wildfires, especially on open fields. Firefighters echo this plea, lamenting the water shortage limits the effectiveness of their attempts at extinguishing fires. They are also pleading with the public to be mindful of the damage that results from uncontrolled fires. 

As a bush fire threatened the toll gate primary school in Clarendon, Acting District Officer Patrick Holmes addressed this issue, highlighting the agricultural stakeholders as known wildfire offenders. Because of the drought, access to water is not readily available. The slash and burn technique endanger not only the school but also persons’ dwelling.

Apart from environmental damage, Holmes laments the dangers firefighters face, battling fires that could have been prevented. The firefighters were able to control the blaze before it spread to the school or surrounding establishments. Watch the full report:

Reporter: Nasika Alliman

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