Ministry of Environment warns against illegal bush fires

Dominica’s Ministry of Environment, Rural Modernization and Kalinago Upliftment has joined with the Fire and Ambulance Services to urge citizens to refrain from illegal burning activities at home and open fields.

This follows a number of reported bush fires across the island this past weekend, as well as the loss of property to a large blaze in Newtown on Sunday.

In a statement issued Thursday, the Ministry backed the efforts of Dominica’s Government, Ministry of Health and Frontline staff in stemming the spread of COVID- 19, and highlighted the respiratory risks of smoke.

The release stated that exposure to smoke place persons with respiratory illnesses at a higher risk of contracting COVID-19.

An appeal was also made to persons living in areas prone to bush fire here, to monitor their surroundings and seek guidance from the Fire Service on keeping safe.

On Thursday Ag. Deputy Fire Chief Wayne Letang reiterated warnings about the high numbers of fires set around the island.