Our Readers' Opinions
April 29, 2016

Mischievously lighting bushfires is dangerous

EDITOR: We don’t have to be reminded of the dangers of unnecessary bush fires that are lit mischievously throughout the country. While those who light these fires may have it as fun, it is a practice that is dangerous and can be deadly.{{more}}

I am appealing to those who light these bush fires to stop! Think about it, now is dry season, so when the bush is burnt, then the grass is removed; this exposes the top soil. The sand becomes loose, for the root of the grass that used to bind it is no longer present thus causing erosion.

But here is where it becomes tragic, when it begins to rain and it rains heavily, the loose top soil is easily eroded, resulting in landslides. We don’t need to be reminded of December 2013.

After what took place at Rose Bank in December 2013, where a landslide killed a family of five, some mischievous folks still saw it necessary to light fires to that entire mountain range. A close examination of the landslides in Rose Bank would reveal that bush fires contributed to the heavy landslides. There was constant lighting of that mountain range, thus the top soil became loose and easily slid downhill.

Not only in Rose Bank is this practice currently taking place, but other areas on the leeward side and windward side of the island. Despite the education of the dangers of bush fires and legislation where persons can be charged for lighting of these fires, people continue to light up the bush.

I know it is hard to find the culprit or culprits, but if a person is caught he/she should be made to pay a heavy penalty, for bush fires can endanger the lives of persons, including that of the perpetrators and their relatives. Let good sense prevail and stop this evil practice. Meanwhile, I am appealing to citizens who know of anyone who perpetrates such an act to report it to the police. In doing so, the person can be charged and also it can deter others from committing such an act. Let us consider one another and let love reign in our hearts.

Kennard King