.DOFR Deputy Chief Ron Ronny Ngirachereang said there were four applicants who have obtained permits. One from the Melekeok State and three from the Koror State and more applicants are requesting for permits.
Under the open burning permit issued by EQPB and the DOFR states all the restriction to be followed by the applicant in doing open burning, such as: the burning shall occurs within a burn barrel or other confined area not exceeding five feet in diameter, the burning does not occur less than 500 feet from a public road or a residence occupied by someone and the burning shall not occur within 200 feet of a historic site. It’s also indicates that only dry materials, including wood, leaves, grass, paper or cardboard are allowed to be burned. Violation of these condition may be subjected to a civil penalty imposed by the EQPB.
The EQPB on March 15 stopped issuing permits for open burning until April 30. The ban was imposed because of the current and anticipated drought-like conditions felt throughout Palau
Ngirachereang said the ban was lifted because the months of May through July are rainy season and frequently rain fall was earlier experience since March.
The official also added that since the rainfall started, the incident of bushfire decreased. He said there are still occurrences of wild fire but they are small compared to the incidents during the dry season.
