As bush continues to burn across the country due to extremely dry conditions, we’re hearing there’s consideration about upgrading the island’s alert protocols to include fire as a hazard.
Director of the Department of Emergency Management, Kerry Hinds gave her take on grass fires raging across the country over the last 48 hours, which forced closure of a number of schools yesterday, with conditions making it an uncomfortable ordeal for asthmatics and others with respiratory issues.
She says operations of the current Common Alerting Protocol for hazards can be expanded to assist communities and Barbadians in harm’s way.
The news comes as fire officials were busy for a second straight day responding to grass fires across the country.
One of the larger areas scorched was at Bannatyne, Christ Church.
The blaze was extinguished and posed no danger to nearby homes.
Meanwhile, the DEM Director believes some of the lessons learnt from dealing with other hazards can be adapted to deal with the threat of a fire hazard.
She’s also urging Barbadians to be vigilant and report bush fire sightings to the Barbados Fire Service.
