Deputy Fire Officer Kenny Gopaul says members of the public should not leave flames and small fires unattended as there were $570 million in losses during the past year for both house and commercial fires and 8,000 bush fires.
Gopaul was speaking in wake of several house fires that occurred during the past week that left over 30 homeless in Morvant, Marabella and Moruga.
In a brief interview yesterday, Gopaul said that many of the fires in the past year were not accidental.
"Arson is a crime which is investigated by the police and they are not accidental. They are definitely not. There are signs of forced entry and incendiary devices and for example and channa. Once it catches it spreads all over like a scratch bomb," he said.
He said the country could not afford losses especially at this time with the economic downturn.
"There were 8000 bush fires but we could only respond to half of that or it burned out before we reached," he said.
Gopaul said altogether there were six houses that were destroyed in bush fires this past year.
"Clean around their property, keep the grass low and clear so there is not a trail to your house. Even gardeners who flash and burn, this is illegal. You need a fire permit, you are not exempted."
He said there were a lot of fires due to careless use of open flames.
"Somebody comes home drunk and cook food and went and sleep. Some playing with things near open flames, near curtains and combustibles. Some use candles and lamps where animals can spill these things. It must be supervised and nowhere near any combustible material," he said.
Gopaul said that another problem was the prevalence of scratch bombs and fire works.
"They are not only illegal but dangerous. Every year we have fire calls with these things causing fires, bush fires and people becoming injured or severe burns," he said.
He said members of the public should exercise caution.
Gopaul said between December 1, 2016, to June 30 next year is fire season and under the Agriculture Fires Act a fire permit is needed to light any outdoor fire.
"It is for $10 and available at any fire station and we will send a fire guardian to show you how to do it. There is a way to do it and there must be water and help," he said.
Gopaul said fire-fighters also responded to a high amount of calls that reported road fatalities this year.
"There were a lot of road deaths recently due to people speeding and not following the speed limit. A lot of motorists are losing their lives due to stupidity. Drinking and driving don't mix, drive for the other guy to and drive safely," he said.