In a press briefing yesterday, Firefighter II Daniel R. Suel said that although the ban has been lifted, they have to enforce the regulations safely.
“There are regulations they have to follow like what materials they can burn, how many feet away from residential areas and other regulations,” Suel said.
He added that residents who want to apply for a burning permit must call the Fire Prevention Section.
Suel said DPS had lifted the ban because people are having a hard time disposing their trash.
Burning permits are free for now, but a $5 fee may be collected by Jan. 20, after the Attorney General’s Office adopts the regulations, he added.
He said the $5 permit is good for one year for agricultural and residential areas.
“People should be cautious when burning especially now that we are approaching the dry season. Embers could easily fly and cause flares in grassy areas and houses, and this could start a fire,” he said.
Suel added that there were several violations committed during the suspension of the burning permits.
“The violations are not for illegal burning but for unauthorized burning,” he said.
He said the Fire Division Section personnel will be conducting a public information drive so that community will be aware of the regulations.
In September last year, DPS suspended the issuance of burning permits due to health concerns.
“Despite the public awareness and education we are conducting about the Open Burning Act, more people without permits are burning their garbage,” Suel said.
A burning permit is issued subject to several conditions — the applicant, for example, should obtain a clearance on the day before the actual burning.
With Suel during the press briefing was Lt. Kevin Aldan, the new officer in charge of the Fire Prevention Section.
For more information, call 664-9003/4/5.
