The Saint Lucia Fire Service (SLFS) has recorded a surge in bushfire responses throughout the island this year compared to 2023.
From January to the end of April 2024, firefighters battled 287 bushfires, compared to 188 last year.
This year, the severity of the prolonged dry season and the alarming increase in indiscriminate fires to burn rubbish have contributed to the spike.
Just last week, firefighters battled a bushfire in Belair, Castries, for about four hours before bringing it under control.
A few weeks earlier, firefighters spent about six hours monitoring and controlling a bushfire in Vieux Fort.
None of the fires threatened life or property.
Nevertheless, the SLFS has warned citizens against unauthorised rubbish fires.
According to the Saint Lucia Criminal Code, setting an outdoor fire requires legal authorisation.
The fire department revealed that in 2018 it responded to 499 bushfires, a whopping 891 in 2019 and 587 in 2020.
In 2021, there were 341 bushfires responses, and 309 in 2022.
.
Can be caused by 😈 wickedness,or carelessness or cigarettes..
Courage ! Courage ! Courage,firefighters !