THE JAMAICA Fire Brigade is urging the public to desist from burning refuse in residential communities.
In a release issued by the Jamaica Information Service, the head of the Kingston and St. Andrew Division, Senior Superintendent (SDS) Denzil Kerr, said burning trash in residential spaces is the cause of most fires.
He said with the hurricane season under way, trash burning is likely to increase because most persons will attempt to remove debris that may become missiles during a hurricane.
He said smoke from burning garbage is a health hazard and is punishable under the law. Under the Public Health Act, violators are liable for a fine of $50,000 or one year's imprisonment.
"People cut their trees, keep them in the back of their yards until they are dry and then begin to burn," he said.
Instead of burning, Senior Superintendent Kerr is advising people to have their garbage removed to a dump.
