The Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) is urging farmers and agricultural stakeholders to take immediate steps to protect their farms, crops, livestock and livelihoods as hot, dry and windy conditions increase the risk of bush fires.
RADA, in a statement issued Wednesday, cautioned farmers against activities that could trigger or rapidly spread fires, particularly during periods of dry weather.
The agency is urging farmers to discontinue the use of slash-and-burn methods for land preparation, warning that fires used to clear land can quickly become uncontrollable and threaten neighbouring farms, forests and communities.
Farmers are also being advised not to light fires outdoors during dry conditions, even when conditions initially appear safe.
RADA further warned against discarding burning materials such as cigarettes, charcoal or firewood without properly extinguishing them with water or safely burying them.
Restrictions in watershed areas
Farmers are reminded to observe watershed protection regulations, which prohibit open burning, slash-and-burn clearing and unattended fires in designated watershed areas.
These include:
- Rio Cobre
- Yallahs Valley
- Hope River
- Rio Minho
The restrictions apply annually from February 1 to October 31.
Farmers urged to establish fire breaks
RADA said one of the most effective ways to reduce the spread of bush fires is to establish and maintain fire breaks — cleared strips of land designed to slow or stop the movement of flames.
Farmers are encouraged to:
- Clear vegetation down to bare soil or maintain closely mowed green strips.
- Establish fire breaks along fields, property boundaries and areas bordering forests.
- Create fire breaks around homes, storage facilities, livestock pens and other critical farm infrastructure.
- Ensure fire breaks are sufficiently wide to prevent flames from crossing.
- Regularly remove dry leaves, bushes, grass and crop residue from fire-break areas.
According to RADA, properly maintained fire breaks can also provide emergency responders with safer access during a fire.
Proper waste management important
The agency is also encouraging farmers to manage agricultural waste properly to reduce the accumulation of combustible materials.
Farmers should properly sort and store agricultural waste and keep items such as agricultural plastics, empty chemical containers, discarded timber and other waste away from buildings and crop fields.
RADA is also urging farmers to avoid burning waste in the open.
Farms should have emergency plans
RADA said every farm should have a basic fire preparedness plan.
The agency recommends maintaining accessible water storage points, keeping fire extinguishers and firefighting tools in working condition, posting emergency contact numbers in visible locations, and training workers in evacuation procedures and basic fire containment measures.
Farmers should also establish clear communication procedures to ensure quick action during an emergency.
“Prepared farms are better able to respond quickly and minimise losses in the event of a fire,” RADA said.
The agency is urging farmers to remain vigilant and report fire outbreaks immediately while alerting neighbouring farmers to help protect surrounding communities.
RADA, Jamaica’s premier agricultural extension agency, operates under the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining. Its work is guided by the theme “People, Land and Opportunity”, with a focus on strengthening national food security and advancing agricultural development through technical support, innovation and modernisation.
As the Jamaican saying goes: “Nuh wait till drum beat before yuh grine yuh axe.”
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