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by pltm
(PLTM) - Last night, April 18, a brush fire in Mayaba, which started around 10:30 p.m, sent firefighters rushing to the scene to contain the blaze, which they managed to get under control before midnight.
This is the second such fire this week, and follows another on the hills close to Century House Montessori School the previous day, April 17.
Chief Fire Officer, Mr. Zebalon McLean praised his team of firefighters and the residents, who he said worked under some challenging circumstances to get the blaze under control.
Meanwhile, District Two Representative, Hon. Melvin 'Mitch' Turnbull, who visited the scene, also lauded residents for cooperating to extinguish the fire.
"I want to acknowledge Ms. Joyce Cameron’s use of her cistern to help the firemen get the fire contained," he stated.
While it is unclear what was the origin of the fire, the Chief Fire Officer is urging persons to take caution during the ongoing dry season, as the smallest flame can grow into a massive inferno within moments, due to current conditions.
As it relates to the first fire on Wednesday, April 17, Mr. McLean explained, “We got the call around 4:00 p.m and it took us until after 7:00 p.m to get that fire under control because it was almost over four acres. And there was one time when there was a bit of anxiety because we had to keep it away from two of the nearby houses.”
He also reflected on another incident a few weeks ago on Virgin Gorda, where an electricity transformer exploded, and sparks ignited the surrounding bushes, causing a large brush fire to engulf the area.
“We can’t take the conditions for granted. We have to use all precaution,” he stressed.
He emphasised this warning, telling BVI Platinum News, “One of the things we’ve been trying to tell persons is that you cannot take the current conditions for granted. One of the complaints that we’ve been getting is that it’s been getting hot from 7:00 in the morning and it’s hot all day.”
There is an increased likelihood of brush fires due to the weather, he noted, saying, “Right now, it doesn’t take much…it just takes a small spark and the place is so dry that persons may see a little flame and think that they can easily get it out. But, when the wind gets it, it will just take off rapidly and it will spread in all different directions.”
“Persons should not be encouraged to burn heaps, especially at this time because it can get away from you,” he continued.
The Chief Fire Officer explained that even a small fire can cause devastation as the debris from the flame can be moved by the wind to another area and start a completely new fire.
Similar sentiments were expressed by Hon. Turnbull, who said, "I would like to caution persons through the Territory and district to desist from public burning as well as those persons who smoke to not throw their cigarette buds out the window as the territory is very dry at the moment."
