PACDA warns of rising farm fires

Muscat: Farm fires have been escalating in the country due to bad practices, PACDA officials warned.
The Public Authority of Civil Defence and Ambulance (PACDA) warned the community of temperatures rising, and increasing likelihood of fires around farms.
The agency attends to farm fires more frequently than any other type of fire. PACDA has noted a record high of 789 farm fires in 2016, compared to 682 in 2015, and 626 in 2014.
"The increase by more than 100 fires from 2015 gives clear indication on the escalation of farm fires, and the urgency of learning better practices around farmland," the report said.
"Farm fires are frequently the result of people lighting up a fire to get rid of waste, but then ending up with a fire that is out of control," the report added.
"These farms and these palm trees have been planted by our fathers and grandfathers, and we've been eating from their fruits for generations," a farmer was quoted in the report.
"These fires can destroy our farmlands in just one day, so I hope people pay closer attention. And it's true that sometimes you need to burn waste or dead plants, but you must find the appropriate spaces for them. The fire cannot affect any neighbouring areas," the farmer added.
PACDA has explained that after fires would be lit to burn waste, the wind could spread the fire.
"Bad weather, or a lack of supervision could suddenly lead to a large fire. If there is a need to burn waste, you must find the right place and the right time for them. For example, you should not burn waste when the weather is windy. Also, burning waste should be gradual, with only small amounts of waste. The fire must remain supervised until they are put out," the report said.
PACDA hopes that individuals raise awareness over practicing safe behavior in farm areas.
"Fires are not only capable of physically harming others, but also lead to environmental, financial and social harm, let alone the large amounts of water which are used up when fire extinguishers attempt to put down a fire," the agency said.