The bush fire threat

Since the beginning of this year, approximately 720 have been officially recorded.

Most bush fires are the result of fires that have been deliberately - though not maliciously - set. Sometimes things quickly go awry during a random activity. For example, an attempt to burn dry leaves and cuttings in a backyard, or to clear a plot for agricultural purposes, or discarding a cigarette butt; if done carelessly, any or all of these can lead to disastrous effects on people, property, communities and the environment on the whole.

Reports suggest that the Central and Northern Ranges have been hardest hit, with fire officers being called out regularly to fight blazes in those areas. Home-owners must shoulder some of the blame because necessary precautions are clearly not being taken before striking that match in the open.

It is against the law to set fires outdoors during the dry season. Strong winds can carry a spark several metres and ignite a dry blade of grass or even a tree. The result might be a blaze that engulfs acres of forest and vegetation, fruiting and flowering trees, wildlife, honey-producing bees, and, of course, as mentioned before - it might even threaten property and life.

Bush fires destroy the forest cover; the now exposed land becomes parched and hardened from direct sunlight.

When the rains eventually come, the water just runs off the cement-like surface, leading to widespread flooding.

Reforestation efforts are severely hampered, as well, because of the hardened earth. Consider the potential difficulties in planting food crops and how this can impact negatively upon the nation – in terms of the scarcity of some items or the cost.

With such far-reaching and dire consequences, one might expect that there would be dedicated resources for addressing this yearly challenge – an anticipated one at that. But, it is interesting to note that there is really no agency specifically resourced for addressing bush fires.

The Police, the Forestry Division, the Regional Corporations all assist from time to time, with the Fire Service naturally being the first responder. But there are still instances of less-than-satisfactory responses to callers when they attempt to lodge reports about bush fires.

The TT Chamber has noted the calls from several key community advocacy groups, for a dedicated agency to prevent and suppress wildfires. Those calls must not go unnoticed. Any such agency must be properly resourced with trained personnel, equipment and gear, all-terrain vehicles to negotiate specially developed and much-need access roads and much more. Far more effective awareness and public education is also required throughout the country.

Successful models exist worldwide, and the relevant authorities should move expeditiously to establish an entity to treat with this type of emergency – even while we foster a culture of precaution and prevention. In the interim and continuing, each of us must exercise caution and above all, obey the relevant laws of the land with respect to starting fires, particularly during the dry season.