ADVISORY FROM RADA – Farmers Urged to Avoid Setting Fires as Dry, Windy Conditions Persist

In light of the current dry and windy conditions being experienced island-wide, the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) is issuing a strong advisory to all farmers and rural residents: desist from lighting any form of fire at this time. These weather conditions create an extremely high risk for bush fires, which can lead to severe damage to crops, property, natural resources and pose a threat to life and livelihood.

How to Manage and Prevent Bush Fires

Farmers are strongly encouraged to take the following precautions:

1. Do not light fires outdoors even if it appears safe. Conditions are highly flammable.

2. Avoid slash-and-burn practices for clearing land. Explore alternative, safe methods instead.

3. Properly extinguish all smoking materials (cigarettes, coal, firewood, etc.) before disposal.

4. Be vigilant if you see smoke or signs of fire, report it immediately to local authorities.

5. Spread awareness within your community—bush fires affect everyone. Prevention is a shared responsibility.

If a Bush Fire Breaks Out Nearby: Be Prepared
Farmers should proactively establish fire breaks, a proven method of creating a barrier to slow or stop the spread of fire.

What to Do:
 Clear a swath of bare soil around the boundary of your farm—this forms a fire-resistant buffer zone.

 Plant fire-resistant vegetation along borders to reduce risk of fire spreading from neighbouring properties.

RADA stands ready to assist and advise farmers on effective fire prevention and emergency preparedness strategies.

For further information, Farmers are advised to contact their respective Agricultural Extension Officer, RADA Parish Office or call our toll free number 1-888-ASK-RADA or 1-888-275-7232.

For additional information the media may contact the RADA Public Relations & Communication Unit at 876- 977-1146/ 876 -551-5290 or email camille.beckford@rada.gov.jm.

Advisory from the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA)
Hope Gardens
Kingston 6, Jamaica, West Indies