Bushfires cause concern at Phoenix Park Village

Recurring bushfires along the Dunbeholden main road in St Catherine, in the vicinity of the Phoenix Park Village housing scheme, have been causing concern for residents of that community.

The latest episode occurred early Thursday morning when fire razed trees and bushes at the rear entrance of the property, sending plumes of smoke and soot into the air. It was later brought under control by firefighters.

Residents leaving the community Thursday morning took photographs of the blaze, calling on the authorities to implement containment measures.

One resident of Phoenix Park Village said it is quite common for residents to see fires blazing at the sides and back of the gated premises.

"Sometimes it blazes for days. I don't know if it is because the people around there are clearing farmlands, but it is a major thing, and I don't think those are started naturally," he continued, noting that there are concerns about the effect on their health and properties.

It was not clear up to late Thursday afternoon whether the fires were being ignited spontaneously or by arsonists.

"It's not the first time that the bushfire has been happening. For a few weeks now, we would have noticed bushfires in front of the community, and sometimes in the night too, mostly late evening into the night," offered Andre Brown, president of the Phoenix Park Village Citizens' Association.

"We have been seeing it a little more frequently in recent times; I guess it is because it is summer and it is dry. As to a permanent fix, in all fairness to the powers that be, it's a natural happening. I don't get the impression that it is being set on purpose," said Brown, adding that there have been no reports of any respiratory illnesses caused by the smoke.

"The truth is the smoke or smog is not too bad, but of course residents continue to see fire, so they remain concerned that it may spread to their properties, and also in a sense worried as to why that is happening," he said. "It is more of a worry than an immediate impact on the community."

When The Gleaner visited the area Thursday morning, the fire had been extinguished, and fire crews had left.

- Corey Robinson

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