The acting Prime Minister praised the work of the various communities for their efforts in assisting the Fire Department in controlling the fires. *Photo credit: www.ofm.gov.on.ca

ST.GEORGE’S, GRENADA, FEBRUARY 22nd, 2010_ Acting Prime Minister Hon. Nazim Burke has called on Grenadians to adhere to the no burn policy as advocated by the Ministry of Agriculture and the Fire Department of the Royal Grenada Police Force.

The acting Prime Minister says recent bush fires have destroyed the habitat of some of Grenada’s wildlife, scorched agricultural land, forced the use of water at a time when Grenadians most need it and caused undue hardship to some communities.

“It is a time for all of us to take responsibility for our environment and our communities. During this dry period of the year we must all refrain from setting fires which can easily get out of control due to the high winds. This can have a negative impact on our delicate ecosystems, our agricultural season and our water supply,” Mr. Burke said.

His comments come against the backdrop of information from the Royal Grenada Police Force that thousands of gallons of potable water have been used in putting out fires in several areas of Grenada, including one on Sunday in the Morne Delice area, which threatened one dwelling house.

The acting Prime Minister praised the work of the various communities for their efforts in assisting the Fire Department in controlling the fires.

“I want to recognize the work of the various communities, especially in Morne Delice on Sunday for their help in ensuring there was no loss of life or destruction of property,” the acting Prime Minister said, echoing the call from the Royal Grenada Police Force for community support in identifying those who start fires.

The RGPF has already been called out more than 150 times to fires between January 1st and Friday 19th February, taking a toll on the department’s resources and further reducing the water that should be available for consumers during this dry period.