Fire calls surge by 41% in Reg. 2 as grass, rubbish fire increase   

Statistics for 2026 reveal a staggering 52.9 per cent increase in grass, rubbish and paddy-shell fires, with approximately 81 percent of all fire calls in the region associated with grass and rubbish fires.

The alarming figures highlight the growing dangers of indiscriminate burning, particularly the disposal of household rubbish, dry vegetation and agricultural waste.

The GFS warns that these largely preventable fires threaten homes, farmlands and critical infrastructure while placing significant pressure on firefighting resources, potentially affecting responses to other emergencies.

With approximately eight out of every ten fire calls involving grass and rubbish fires, the Service is urging residents, farmers and businesses to adopt safer waste disposal practices and refrain from deliberately setting fires.

Divisional Officer Suresh Persaud is encouraging communities to report unattended fires and exercise greater vigilance, particularly during dry weather conditions. He reiterates that fire prevention is everyone’s responsibility and calls for immediate behavioural change to protect lives, property and livelihoods.

Stop indiscriminate burning. Protect your community. Prevent fires before they start. See less