March 03, 2010 ….. The Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Housing & the Environment, through its forestry unit is expressing serious concerns over the illegal practice of lighting lemon grass and other grasses during the dry season.

Ruleta Camacho, officer in charge of forestry, warned, the ministry is working very closely with the fire department, since, the lightning of fire without a permit, constitute an offence.

On, Wednesday, unknown assailants, set fire, to grasslands, in the Body Ponds, which is currently being rehabilitated under the Sustainable Island Resource Management Mechanism (SIRMM) Project, destroying, fruit trees and other forest species.

To this end, officials within the ministry of agriculture are working with other environment groups to create a buffer to contain the wild –fire.

Comacho expressed that “Over the past few weeks there have been a marked increase in the number of fires in the Body Ponds Watershed and other catchment areas in Antigua. The fires expose the steep windswept slopes leading to an increase in erosion rates and soil loss.”

She added, each incident of fire increases the surface area exposed to the elements and causes soil degradation. This continued degradation affects agricultural production, and compromises the storage and management of water resources.

“Areas covered by lemon grass are particularly vulnerable because the volatile oil in the grass causes it to burn with an intense heat that destroys everything around it. “

The officer in charge of forestry related that “fires also consume areas of healthy forests and destroy habitats. Each time the grass at the edge of the forest is burnt; several meters of healthy trees are affected. After repeated burning the trees die and the lemon grass takes over the area.”

Camacho said that, most of the fires are started deliberately to induce new growth for livestock and for improving access to farm lands. However the practice destroys the very resources that these sectors depend on and will destroy livelihoods.

These fires must be stopped. Fires cause top soil loss, deterioration of water quality, threats to wildlife and habitats and threats to life and property.

Meanwhile, Assistant Commissioner of Police Whitfield Joshua, and Head of Fire Department, said “We are warning the public that we will not tolerate the indiscriminate burning of bush and grass fires in Antigua & Barbuda.”

“We warning those who are involved in the practice of clearing lands and burning or even those who are indiscriminately dispose of burning materials, for example, cigarettes, charcaol used for campfires, this is an illegal practice, and any one who wishes to burn should first obtain, permission, where a permit would be granted,” the fire chief added.

He added that the penalty is $3,000 or 6 months, if this action carried out without permit.

If you see a fire reports it to the nearest police station. Protect our natural resources.