The Department of Environmental Health (DEH) under the Ministry of Finance District Administration, Works, Lands and Agriculture (FINANCE DAWLA) and Fire department officials are urging the public to observe proper fire safety and disposal of fire debris during this camping season.

Chief Fire Officer Dennom Bodden advises that proper safety measures should be followed both for small camp fires and large bonfires to avoid accidents and injury.

He noted that persons building bonfires on the beach must first get written permission from DEH and they should follow guidelines and use common sense.

Officials from the Ministry of FINANCE DAWLA and the DEH Director Roydell Carter are underscoring the need for safety is also asking the public to ensure that fires are extinguished and other camping debris be removed before heading home. Campers are reminded that leaving residue from bonfire or campfire on the beach is littering which is an offence under the Litter Law. Please leave beach or campsite in a clean state.

Safety Tips for Small Fires

•          Avoid lighting fires in windy conditions

•          Do not store accelerants and combustible materials close to fires

•          Monitor small children and keep them away from flames

•          Ensure that all fires are properly extinguished; if camping is on the beach, avoid covering smouldering embers with sand as this will not extinguish the flame. Instead use water to put the fire out.

Guidelines for Large Bonfires

1.         Application must be made to DEH and the application fee of $ 25 be paid.

2.         A metal base or other suitable incombustible material should be placed underneath the bonfire to collect waste products.

3.         The bonfire should not generate smoke in quantities as to cause a nuisance to the surrounding neighbours.

4.         The bonfire should be under strict control and supervision at all times.

5.         Before the event is completed, the bonfire should be completely extinguished. Under no circumstances should a bonfire remain kindled.

6.         An adequate supply of water or other suitable substance/material should be readily accessible for fire control purposes. Preferably, suitable arrangements should be made with the Fire Services Department.

7.         No toxic or potentially toxic materials or products should form part of the bonfire.

8.         All wastes generated must be collected and properly disposed of in a sanitary manner.  The beach must be fully restored for use by the public by 7:00 A.M. the next day.

9.         Bonfires should be properly constructed and secured to avoid collapse.

10.       Persons should maintain a respectable distance from a bonfire in order to prevent injury.

11.       Children should be monitored at all times.

For more information contact DEH at 949-6696 or The Fire Department at 949-2276.