By Alhagie Babou Jallow
The Forestry Director for West Coast Region has warned that bush fires have started early this year and lamented that the repulsive practice has put the country’s efforts to conserve the fast depleting flora and fauna to a standstill.
Mr Lamin Bajo was speaking in this interview at the wake of the recent massive bush fire outbreak in Foni which covered the total land area of 326.8 hectares. The fire was said to have started in Bondali village spreading across the surrounding communities.
The cause of the fire, according to Mr Bajo can be linked to the fight between Senegalese military forces and the MFDC rebels, but more specifically from charcoal burners. “Charcoal burners can run out of the bush due to the clash in the bush and leave the charcoal burning, which can also cause fire,” he elaborated.
He said bush fires have affected a large number of lands from Katong to Koina over the years, resulting in communities losing farming space, uncountable animals starving and dying.
The regional Director called on all to make efforts in preventing bush fire as it is becoming a huge threat to environmental sustainability.
“I want to remind the public that communities have a great role to play in the management of their forest reserves and there is a need for attitudinal change to preserve the remaining forest covers,” he noted.
According to him, taking full ownership of our forest cover will extensively boost and reserve the biodiversity of the country.
“We need to intensify more community outreach programmes and sensitise the masses on anti-bush fire campaign geared towards restoring the country’s lost glory.
Outlining some of the causes of bush fire Bajo said most bush fire incidences are caused by smokers or even people searching for honey.
“There is a need to preserve the environment, and there should be no compromise for those found wanting in creating this menace”.
He encouraged farmers to create fire belts in their communities to prevent their houses and farm produce from being consumed by bush fires even when they occur and urge the general public to report anyone found engaged in the practice.
He concludes by saying that implementation of the Forest Act can help resolve the danger of bush fires in the country.
