The Saint Lucia Fire Service is urging members of the public to exercise extreme caution and avoid indiscriminate burning, as the island continues to experience dry weather conditions that have already contributed to a sharp increase in bush and rubbish fires.
Assistant Divisional Officer in the Fire Prevention Unit, Owen Cazaubon, warned that fire crews have already been stretched by multiple incidents this month alone.
“For the month of June, collectively we have already responded to 53 bush and rubbish fires,” Cazaubon said, underscoring the scale of the situation facing emergency responders.
He stressed that many of these incidents stem from uncontrolled or unauthorized burning, which poses serious risks to both life and property.
“In many instances, uncontrolled and unauthorized burning poses a significant threat to public health and safety,” he explained.
Cazaubon noted that the impact extends beyond immediate fire damage, with smoke from open burning posing health risks to vulnerable groups.
“Smoke generated from burning in open spaces can adversely affect air quality and contribute to respiratory illnesses, particularly among children, the elderly, and individuals with existing health conditions,” he said.
He further warned that fires can quickly escalate beyond control, leading to widespread destruction.
“Very often, fires that are not properly managed spread, resulting in the destruction of nearby vegetation and structures,” Cazaubon stated. “In severe cases, some incidents can also lead to serious injuries or loss of life.”
The Fire Service is also drawing attention to growing concerns over water availability, with low reservoir levels placing additional pressure on national resources. Cazaubon said this situation directly affects firefighting capacity across the island.
“The public has also been advised on countless occasions by our Water and Sewage Authority, WASCO, that current reservoir levels are low and that water conservation remains a priority,” he said.
He explained that the same water supply used in firefighting is also essential for households and businesses, making conservation critical.
“The public are reminded that the water used by the Saint Lucia Fire Service during firefighting operations is supplied primarily through the WASCO distribution system,” Cazaubon noted. “This same supply is relied upon by residents and businesses for essential domestic and commercial usage.”
He warned that avoidable fires place unnecessary strain on already limited resources.
“Every unnecessary fire incident places additional strain on these already limited resources and may compromise the availability of water to communities around the island,” he said.
While acknowledging that some persons use burning for land clearing or waste disposal, the Fire Service is strongly advising against such practices at this time.
“While some individuals may consider burning as a means of land clearing, vegetation management or waste disposal, the fire service strongly advises against such activities at this time and encourages the use of safer alternatives wherever possible,” Cazaubon said.
He also reminded the public that burning without proper approval is an offence under national law.
“Under section 449 to 452 of the Criminal Code of Saint Lucia, it is an offence to set fire to bush, grass, rubbish or other combustible materials without taking the necessary precautions and obtaining approval from the fire service,” he stated.
Cazaubon further warned that legal consequences may follow reckless actions that endanger lives or property.
“Persons who cause or permit fires that endanger life, property or the environment may be subjected to prosecution and the penalties prescribed by law,” he said.
He urged anyone considering burning activities to first seek official guidance before proceeding.
“Accordingly, anyone who deems it necessary to conduct burning activities should first seek permission and guidance from the fire station responsible for their jurisdiction,” Cazaubon said.