Ministry warns against open fires as St. Elizabeth farmland burns
Key Points(5)
- The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining is renewing its call for Jamaicans to avoid lighting open fires as dry conditions continue to heighten the risk of bush and farmland fires across the island.
- The warning follows another fire in Pedro Plains, St.
- Elizabeth, which damaged approximately 12 acres of farmland, including seven acres of recently planted watermelon.
- The latest incident is the second major fire reported in Pedro Plains and the third in St.
- Elizabeth within the past two weeks, raising growing concerns about the impact of fires on farmers, agricultural infrastructure and Jamaica’s food production.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining is renewing its call for Jamaicans to avoid lighting open fires as dry conditions continue to heighten the risk of bush and farmland fires across the island.
The warning follows another fire in Pedro Plains, St. Elizabeth, which damaged approximately 12 acres of farmland, including seven acres of recently planted watermelon.
The latest incident is the second major fire reported in Pedro Plains and the third in St. Elizabeth within the past two weeks, raising growing concerns about the impact of fires on farmers, agricultural infrastructure and Jamaica’s food production.
Beyond the loss of crops, the latest blaze damaged critical irrigation infrastructure, including main and drip lines, as well as fencing. Grass mulch, which farmers use to help retain moisture in the soil, was also destroyed.
For affected farmers, the consequences can extend well beyond the immediate loss of acreage. Damage to irrigation systems and other infrastructure can disrupt production, increase operating costs and delay efforts to restore farms to full productivity.
Against this backdrop, the Ministry is appealing to members of the public to exercise extreme caution and refrain from lighting fires for land clearing, garbage disposal or any other purpose while dry conditions persist.
The Ministry warned that fires started for seemingly routine purposes can spread rapidly, particularly under dry conditions, putting nearby farms, communities, crops and agricultural infrastructure at risk.
The Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) is continuing its assessment of the affected area to document the losses and determine the full extent of the impact on agricultural production.
The situation comes at a time when safeguarding Jamaica’s agricultural sector remains critical to food security and the livelihoods of thousands of farmers. Each fire not only threatens crops already in the ground but can also destroy the infrastructure and resources needed to sustain future production.
The Ministry is therefore urging the public to act responsibly and avoid any activity that could trigger or contribute to the spread of fires.
As the dry spell continues, officials say public cooperation will be essential in protecting agricultural lands, rural communities and the country’s food supply from further losses.
