Over the last few days, many Kingstonians watched the flames causing devastation in the foothills of the Blue Mountains by bush fires in the Jacks Hill and Peter's Rock areas.

People living in the hills of St Andrew in the districts of Norbrook Heights, Woodford, Maryland and Irish Town fear this time of year in particular. Winds are high, the time is dry, and fires, normally lit by local persons in preparing the land for planting, for the purpose of burning garbage or even by mischievous individuals, get out of control threatening lives, livestock and property.

Additionally the area, particularly along the Norbrook Hill Road, is used for the dumping of garbage by outside entities including private individuals, Government agencies and prominent businesses. Having deposited their garbage they also set fires alight and leave.

Longer-term consequences

The longer-term consequences of this practice are quite costly and far-reaching. Fires, through the destruction of trees, destroy the watershed and ultimately lead to drought. The land also becomes prone to slides when it rains, causing further destruction to property and roads leading to the isolation of communities.

There is now an urgent need to deal with this costly issue. Community involvement is imperative to encourage dialogue in finding local solutions and sharing information in order to develop preventative programmes. Relevant agencies such as NEPA, the fire services, the National Water Commission and the appropriate government ministries need to come together quickly to devise a public education programme and to ensure the enforcement of legislation. Environmental wardens are also needed for monitoring and reporting purposes.

I am, etc.,

ALDENE SHILLINGFORD

aldeneshilling@hotmail.com