Control the ravages of fire

THE EDITOR: For some time now, I have observed with dismay, the continuous fires and deforestation occurring in the surrounding hillsides. The fires have kept the firefighters quite busy (judging from the frequent blaring of sirens) during the day time as well as at night and in fact, pose serious threats to homes, especially where access by the tenders is somewhat restricted. No doubt similar risks are faced by residents in other vicinities across the country.

The existing lack of rainfall upon the land and the resultant heat wave have helped to fuel several fires which to my mind, have been allowed to burn unabated for too long. Whether maliciously, accidentally set or ignited by forces of nature, such uncontrolled fires would produce undesirable hardships or even catastrophic landslides, environmental degeneration and flooding during heavy rainfall.

Another factor of more immediate concern is the health risk presented to young and old alike who are forced to breathe in the sooty air. This continued inhalation of the highly carbonic air, which is spewed from the hillsides and spreads like a giant net suspended from the upper atmosphere, congests the body’s respiratory system, especially in the case of asthmatic patients, etc.

A more serious approach with regards to the igniting and controlling of such fires should be adopted by all citizens, with a view towards preserving life, property and environment. I hereby suggest to the relevant authorities a collaborative effort with regards to introducing aerial fire-fighting as a more effective and preventive approach in such cases. After all, for the sake of our well-being, we must become guardians of our heritage!

ANTHONY JOSEPH
Maraval