Existing burning permits have also been canceled.
The suspension, according to Firefighter Dan Suel, took effect last Friday and will remain in effect until further notice.
“The suspension of the issuance of burning permits and the cancellation of the existing permits issued previously came about for health concerns,” Suel said.
He added that over a hundred residents have been issued burning permits with a validity ranging from one day to three months.
“Despite the public awareness and education we are conducting about the Open Burning Act, more people without permits are burning their garbage,” Suel said.
He added that the Attorney General’s Office is drafting regulations and the penalties that will be imposed on violators.
DPS spokeswoman Lei Ogumoro said the suspension of permit issuance is necessary because an open fire is dangerous especially to people who are suffering from respiratory problems.
During the same press briefing, Firefighter Paul Sasamoto of the DPS Forestry Section said an applicant needs to call the Fire Prevention Section which will then conduct an inspection at the location to monitor what the applicant will be burning.
“A burning permit is issued subject to several conditions — like the applicant should obtain a clearance on the day before the actual burning,” Sasamoto said.
No burning is allowed when a gusty wind is blowing and the burning should be done only from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., he added.
Garbage that produces unreasonable amounts of contaminants like oil, rubber, and other materials are not allowed to be burned.
Materials that also give off offensive odor like dead animals and garbage or materials that produce gases that are detrimental to one’s health like paints, solvents and other chemicals are not allowed for burning.
For more information, residents can call 664-9003/4/5.
