By KETRICIA FINCH
St. Kitts Reporter
There have been frequent cane fires in St. Kitts so far this year, several in the St. Peter’s area. On many occasions during the month, vehicles in the downtown area have been geting out of the way of fire trucks that have been speeding on the Victoria Road in an affort to get to the fires in St. Peters.
A huge fire swept across the cane fields of Trinity after 6 last Sunday evening, coming in close contact with a Digicel antenna and the Trinity Inn. Many of the village’s residents watched on at the top of the main road in fear that the fire would come into contact with diesel that was in the area.
The owner of the Trinity Inn came out of the Inn in fear of her life and property while the fire blazed in the fields. She said it was a long time since the Inn was flourishing with visitors. She said she had called the fire truck more than a half-hour before and they did not show up. A Trinity resident said the fire blazed for about one hour before it was extinguished. She also said the residents called a tractor to head the water.
After 12 the same night, residents of Boyd’s Village were awakened by another cane fire. The fire occurred near to Fair View Inn.
Fire Chief Rawlins of the Fire Department said there has been a significant increase of cane and grass fires for the year.
“I would advise persons that as soon as there is a fire, inform the fire department. Don’t wait until the fires get close to properties because fires could easily get out of control depending on where they are and appliances are not able to go in all the areas where fires are,” Rawlins said.
Rawlins said he would advise the general public that it is important not to endanger their lives in trying to extinguish fires.
“If there is a small fire and they feel they could be of any assistance, they can try to help. If not, report to the fire department all times as soon as possible,” Rawlins said.
Rawlins also said it is a serious offence to maliciously cause fires and those caught and convicted faced very heavy punishment.
The lack of heavy rains so far this year has made the situation even worse, and one can only hope that the dry spell will soon be over and residents of the Federation can breathe easier once more.
