Ponder the dangers of setting bush fires

Editor: I on several occasions wrote about bush fires. Today, I once again write on this very important subject. It is a dangerous practice to be wilfully lighting bush fires. Now that we are almost to the end of the dry season and with rain expected, the lighting of bush fires can be dangerous in many ways.

Amongst the ways in which it will be dangerous are when the fires are mischievously lit, it is allowed to spread wild. This can result in damage to properties and livestock nearby. We have even seen where electricity poles suffered some damage from fires that were lit. When a pole is damaged it can eventually fall and cause other damage, including electrical shocks to passers- by and can damage property if it falls on any building. The sad thing is that no one will be held accountable, since the perpetrators in most cases are not known and so cannot be charged nor held responsible.

Besides the poles being lit and damaged, the spreading of the wild fire can destroy crops and livestock since it is not under control, and added to those is the potential damage that can occur to properties if the fires are allowed to spread without being under control. Again, when this occurs the victims are at a loss and have to accept their losses, while perpetrators go free.

Time and time again it is emphasized about the potential landslides that can occur when the rain comes after a place has been lit. We are aware that when fire is lit, it aids in loosening the top soil and since the grass is no longer present, then the soil is bare. So when it rains heavily, the loose soil is easily eroded as was the case in 2013, when the five members of the Nanton Family were killed. The soil was loose due to the grass being burnt and the soil exposed. So as it rained and the soil was loose it eroded the bank and washed away an entire family.

We consider lighting the bush as fun, but the potential danger outweighs the fun, since lives can be lost and families left without house and a means of income. The soil on the bank side which overlooks a cliff can be very hazardous when fires are lit, because it in some cases undermines the road and the bank. As a result, the road and the cliff or bank can collapse. Just think of the potential danger when this occurs. Not only would it be difficult for vehicles and people to pass, but it can also result in the loss of lives should someone fall over the cliff.

We know it is illegal to light fires like that. However, the problem is knowing who has lit it. In many cases it is done secretly and in areas that are sometimes lonely or not easily seen. I, therefore call on us to cease this foolishness and consider the potential danger of such a foolish act and careless behaviour. After all, the victims could very well be someone close to you- your parents, siblings, partners or friend, just to name a few.

I also recommend that if the person doing this is caught that they be given a heavy sentence. Let us be our brother’s keeper and let us help each other to show love. Also, let us not be secretive if we know the perpetrators. May God bless SVG.

Kennard King