The Virgin Islands Fire and Rescue Services Department is urging the public to continue to demonstrate mindfulness and use precautionary measures in controlled burning during this extremely dry period.

Acting Chief Fire Officer, Mr. William Penn, stated that over the last four months, the Virgin Islands Fire and Rescue Services Department, has responded to 36 backyard/controlled burnings. He added that so far for 2015, the department has responded to 51 calls for assistance and/or for health discomfort reasons, as a result of backyard or pasture burning.

He said, “Backyard or pasture burning can be a nuisance to neighbours; adversely affecting persons with asthma, causing respiratory problems, negatively impacting the environment and contributing to global warming.”

Mr. Penn stated that the dry and windy conditions that the Territory is currently experiencing are factors that contribute to fires getting out of control.

He added, with contentment, that the fire fighters are eager and their concern for health and safety of the community is most commendable. 

The Fire and Rescue Services is committed to protecting health, life and property from the effects of fire and all other man-made and natural accidents and disasters.