Careless burning has been the reason for a large number of bushfires that have threatened and destroyed farmlands, livestock and houses, says National Fire Authority (NFA) CEO Puamau Sowane.
He said despite numerous warnings from the NFA for people to refrain from burning rubbish, people continued to engage in the indiscriminate burning that wreaked havoc especially in the Western Division.
Mr Sowane said the dry season and windy conditions had also played a part in the numerous cases of uncontrolled fires.
“We are into the dry season now and with the windy condition we are experiencing, if we are not careful with these uncontrolled fires, it can easily spread and destroy properties,” he said.
“We have noted firefighters in the three divisions have been attending to several bush, grass, sugar cane, and rubbish fire calls daily.
“Majority of these fires have been a result of careless burning despite many reminders from the National Fire Authority. “NFA has reminded the general public of the dangers of bushfires, especially during the dry season, but people have failed to adhere to these warnings.
“While these bushfires pose threat to properties and lives, they also impose considerable pressure on the resources of the fire authority. Firefighters could be out battling a bush fire and unable to respond quickly to a residential or commercial fire.”
