Deputy fire chief: Increase in bush fires

Gopaul said the number of bush fires two weeks ago was 481. He said the additional 239 occurred mainly in the Central and Northern ranges which saw fire officers battling with fires which could have been avoided. Gopaul blamed some house owners for not heeding advice to exercise the necessary precautions during the dry season.

In 2016 there were 1,626 bush fires in both islands. The Central and Northern ranges accounted for most of the fires and, according to Gopaul, there was one instance where a house in south was destroyed.

He said the Fire Service continues to issue advisories urging people to clean around their premises and to secure fire permits at a cost of $10 when they are clearing away lands for planting and for burning garbage around their homes.

He said most people tend to ignore this advice and call upon fire officers to intervene when a lot of damage may have already occurred.

Gopaul pointed out that once a permit is obtained, a fire guardian is assigned to the permit holder so that he or she could be advised on how to dispose of rubbish or bush.

He said during the dry season the earth is already parched and fire would spread very easily.

He said the Fire Service is well equipped to take care of the bush fires with the additional five tankers purchased recently and five more are expected.