ROADTOWN Tortola BVI, September 24th, 2012  – “Backyard Burning, or Controlled Burning, is a practice that is harmful to our health and the environment,” Station Officer and Manager for the Service Delivery Unit of the VI Fire and Rescue Service, Mr. Tyronne Caddle said in an attempt to discourage the age old practice.

According to Mr. Caddle, research indicates that back yard burning increases the risk of heart disease and can worsen conditions such as asthma and emphysema. The practice can also create harmful particles that settle on crops and water.

“We must not only be cautious how we burn, but we must also be mindful of the effect on neighbours and other residents,” Officer Caddle emphasised. The Station Officer explained that backyard burning was used in the past to get rid of household waste, bushes or other material to avoid having to haul it away.

“Today however, almost everyone can either throw their trash into the garbage receptacles or transport it to the incinerator,” he said.

If controlled burning must be carried out, the Fire and Rescue Service is reminding persons to avoid burning during periods of hot weather and little or no rain when fire can spread easily.

Persons should contact the Fire Service to say where and when burning will take place, always have a supply of water on hand in case the fire gets out of control, burn one pile at a time and never burn in close proximity to other homes and residents.

The Fire and Rescue Service is committed to protecting life and property from the effects of fire and all other man-made and natural accidents and disasters.

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