SLFS firefighters respond to Vieux Fort bushfire

Castries, Saint Lucia: The Vieux Fort Fire Station received a report of the bush fire in its vicinity. Saint Lucia Fire Service (SLFS) arrived for a rescue and managed to save the life or property.

According to the information, the incident took place on Saturday, when a bush fire raised in Vieux Fort, Saint Lucia. The people across the area reported the matter to the SLFS. They responded to the report and sent their firefighters at the scene.

Upon arrival, they found the bushfire had spread so much that it took several hours to control and monitor the fire. SLFS spokeswoman Stacey Joseph that the firefighters left the office at 4:05 pm and firefighters were remained on scene until 10:00 pm.

She further said that the forest fire was occurred in an isolated area, due to which it did not cause any damage or threat to life or property. The rescue teams set up fire barriers to control the fire and used water from the equipment to minimize possible damage.

If sources are to be believed, it has been reported that in 2021, there were 341 bushfires responses and Saint Lucia experienced 309 bushfires in 2022.

As per Saint Lucia Criminal Code, “Setting an outdoor fire requires legal authorisation.”

Additionally, these bushfires can cause severe damage and threat to the wildlife species. This is one of the major reasons for the extinction of snakes from the forests. The authorities are trying to manage the situation with every possible measure in their power.

They are maintaining the communication with the forest conservation to implement some measures so it will not happen again.

Moreover, such fires can cause a severe health problem to the residents, especially who are residing at the nearby areas. They may feel irritation in their throat and the bushfire smoke can cause cough also.

Such atmosphere and air are extremely harmful for the people suffering from respiratory diseases such as asthma or sinuses. The people are expected to be aware if such incidents occurred to their surrounding areas.