JFB Warns Against Burning Debris

The Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) is appealing to residents not to burn debris in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa.

Speaking at a recent Jamaica Information Service (JIS) Think Tank, Public Education Officer at the JFB, Emeleo Ebanks, said that the burning of debris should be avoided altogether; however, if the situation is inevitable, residents should follow proper safety precautions.

“We need to remind persons that you should not be lighting debris any at all. However, if you think you must, get a metal drum, put the debris in, punch some holes in the drum that will allow oxygen to enter and cover it with a metal [lid] and make sure that it burns out and it dies properly before you move away from the space,” he emphasised.

Superintendent Ebanks further indicated that a safer option is for residents to wait for the authorities to remove the debris, rather than attempt to burn it themselves.

He warned that burning debris can quickly trigger bushfires, especially under dry conditions.

“We have seen on social media, and persons would have seen it otherwise, especially us in the Fire Brigade, incidents of fires that persons are saying might be associated with the loss of moisture in the trees. We have seen it in Westmoreland, for example, a number of bushfires that have started since the hurricane,” he said.

Residents are asked to remain vigilant and report any fires immediately to the JFB and are also encouraged to contact their nearest fire stations when such incidents arise.