Citizens must obtain fire permits before they set any outdoor fires, or they could face a fine of $1,500 and six months imprisonment.
That is the warning coming from the T&T Fire Service after more than 20 bush fires were recorded in the past week throughout T&T. Under the Agricultural Fires Act (Ch63:02 Act 20 of 1965) a permit, obtainable from the nearest fire station, is required to light outdoor fires big or small, during the period December 1 to June 30.
Once a permit is granted, guidelines are provided by fire guardians which should be adhered to during the period specified on the permit.
This year’s dry season has seen drier than average conditions occurring across the country along with hotter than usual temperatures. According to the T&T Meteorological Service (TTMS), rainfall amounts are predicted to be the least during the rest of this month and April, with significant increases expected in May. It is very likely that the 2016 wet season may start earlier and be more intense than usual.
Hot days are expected to be enhanced during the period and the number of hot days are predicted to be more than usual during March, April and May.
“Both day-time and night-time temperatures from March to May 2016 are more likely to be higher than average over all areas of T&T. Expect a higher than usual number of hot days when the maximum temperatures will surpass 33.6 degrees celsius and longer than usual periods of consecutive hot days, along with larger number of warm nights when the minimum temperatures will be greater than 24 degrees celsius,” the TTMS said.
Prevention of bush fires
• Create and maintain a fire trail around all structures by removing flammable vegetation.
• Ensuring grass and lawns are mowed.
• Store rubbish bins, refuse and other flammable items away from buildings.
• Create a maintenance programme for daily removal of leaf litter and other flammable waste from around buildings.
• Clear bark and leaves from roof gutters, timber decks and other areas that may trap embers.
• Enclose under-floor and under-deck areas with ember proofing
• Ensure all windows, doors and screens can close and seal to prevent embers and smoke entering buildings.
• Remove dead branches, leaves and undergrowth from around your home, especially under trees.
• Reduce, remove and manage vegetation such as long grass within 20 metres of your home and within five metres of any sheds and garages.
• Prune tree limbs that are lower than two metres above the ground or overhanging your home.
• Remove bark, heavy mulch, wood piles and any other flammable materials close to your home and sheds.