Divisional Commissioner Northern Mr. Uraia Rainima is urging members of the public in Vanua Levu to stop unnecessary burning with the country currently experiencing a period of dry spell.
“During this dry spell, fires can easily spread to plantations and into nearby communities if not monitored,” said Mr. Rainima.
"Bush or grassfire is done as a farming trick to allow grass to grow back better to feed their livestock."
Mr. Rainima said as a result of uncontrolled burning, the Division National Fire Authority has received a lot of fire emergency calls lately.
“For the month of August, we have received 43 calls through our Divisional NFA mostly on grassfire, bush fire, burning of sugarcane field and sawdust fire.”
The Seaqaqa Fire Station responded to fire calls (grass and bush) from as far as Dreketi and Nasarawaqa in Bua.
In this regard, the Northern Division National Fire Authority has commenced community awareness on the need to monitor fires to prevent uncontrolled burnings.