Warning issued over illegal burning

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Firefighters were stretched to the limit over a scorching 24-hour spell as the Barbados Fire Service tackled 14 grass fires across six parishes, prompting renewed warnings for residents to stop open burning during the dry season.

 

The surge in fires from 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday to 8:30 a.m. Thursday affected the parishes of St Philip, St John, St Michael, St Thomas, St George and St Peter.

 

Deputy Chief Fire Officer Henderson Patrick confirmed that while all blazes have since been contained, the workload was heaviest in St John and St Philip, which accounted for more than half of the incidents.

 

“The fire service was able to respond to all of these incidents with no more than two appliances attending the larger fires that we had,” Deputy Chief Patrick stated, noting that the smoke and airborne embers caused “a significant amount of distress” for residents in the affected vicinities.

 

While speculation regarding the cause of the fires has been widespread, official confirmation remains elusive. Patrick noted the difficulty in proving arson without eyewitnesses but highlighted that the “dry season” naturally increases risks.

 

He specifically addressed the perennial issue of irritating cow itch vine, which becomes highly combustible as it dries: “What we have advocated for cow itch in Barbados, however, is that the persons on whose land the cow itch is located are responsible for managing that particular situation.”

 

He suggested that landowners use mechanical means to bury the plant or maintain the land by keeping it well-manicured rather than resorting to fire.

 

For the year so far, there have been 218 grass fires, 127 rubbish fires, 11 sugar cane fires and one tree fire, compared with the same period in 2025, when there were 241 grass fires, 118 rubbish fires, 14 sugar cane fires and three tree fires.

 

The deputy fire chief also issued a stern warning against unauthorised burning. He reminded the public that open burning requires a permit, which is only granted after rigorous safety checks.

 

Despite these regulations, indiscriminate burning remains a problem, prompting the Fire Service to seek more robust legal deterrents: “The Service is pursuant of stronger legislation with serious penalties for persons who inadvertently burn and who burn indiscriminately causing distress and a public nuisance.”

 

Residents in high-risk, heavily grassed areas are being advised to create “defensive spaces” by cutting back vegetation at least 20 to 30 feet from their property borders.

 

For those currently dealing with smoke from nearby fires, the Fire Service suggested that vulnerable individuals, such as the elderly and those with infants, temporarily relocate to safer areas until the smoke clears.

 

“When we introduce fire into the environment, we do not know what will happen,” Deputy Chief Patrick emphasised. “We were fortunate that we did not lose any secondary properties, houses or things of that nature, but it is possible that when fires like these occur, it poses a very high risk.”

 

The Fire Service also asked householders to stop burning backyard leaves and small piles of garbage, especially given the strong seasonal winds. Instead, they are encouraged to bag their waste for collection by the Sanitation Service Authority to help maintain a safer environment for all. 

 

Barbados Fire Service Incident Statistics Report Jan-April 2025; Jan-April 2026

Fire facts – What to know

Grass fire incidents – January to April

• 218 grass fires across Barbados
• 127 rubbish fires recorded
• 11 sugar cane fires
• 1 tree fire

Compared with same period in 2025

• 241 grass fires
• 118 rubbish fires
• 14 sugar cane fires
• 3 tree fires

Safety advice from the Fire Service

• Obtain a permit before any open burning
• Create defensive barriers (20–30 feet) around property
• Avoid burning cow itch; bury or clear mechanically
• During smoky conditions, elderly or vulnerable persons should relocate temporarily
• Bag garden waste for Sanitation Service Authority collection

 

(RR)