Division of Fire and Rescue (DOFR) Chief Benhart Baulechong said bushfire incidents are reported almost everyday.
Last week, fire personnel responded to another bushfire incident at the Ngatpang state wherein 140 square meters of wild lands were affected by the fire.
“The month of January through March was a dry season and several cases of bushfire were reported to the DOFR. However, frequently rain showers were started during the last two weeks of March but bushfire still continues.” Baulechong said.
He stressed that his office is planning to conduct Wild land Fire Prevention this month but no definite schedule has been set yet.
According to DOFR investigation, wild fires are usually set by arsonist or some instances that bush fire spread to lands when farmers burn leaves unattended.
It can also be recalled that the Environment Quality Protection Board (EQPB) has temporarily banned all open burning and request the support of the public in protecting the safety and environment of Palau effective on March 15, 2010 until April 30, 2010.
The ban is being imposed because of the current and anticipated drought-like conditions expected throughout Palau.
According to EQPB, rainfall is normally lowest during the months of February, March and April. There have already been major uncontrolled wild fires recorded on Babeldaob during the last several weeks, Fires that begin as efforts to clear land or burn trash may potentially get out of control because of the current dry conditions.
Uncontrolled burning presents an immediate danger to public health and safety. In addition, the burnt land is difficult to re-vegetates leading to increased soil erosion and possible landslides.
This ban is imposed pursuant to the authority delegated to EQPB under 34 PNC &501 and EQPB Air Pollution Control Regulations on the Control of Open Burning at Chapter 2401-71-40. The ban will be enforced by EQPB with the continuing assistance of the Bureau of Public Safety. Failure to stop open burning during this period may result in a fine of up to $10,000 per day of violation.
