FIREFIGHTERS have urged Islanders not to burn waste after they were forced to use thousands of litres of water to tackle a blaze – on the first day of the hosepipe ban.
The decision was taken to extinguish the fire as it was close to trees.
Despite heavy rain overnight on Wednesday, the ground and vegetation are still extremely dry following the long, hot summer.
In a Facebook post, Jersey Fire and Rescue Service said: ‘On day 1 of Jersey Water’s hosepipe ban, we were forced to use thousands of litres of water to extinguish an outside fire on private land.
‘The fire had been lit to burn waste material but due to the size of the fire and its location impinging on trees the decision was taken to extinguish it to prevent it spreading. Unfortunately using water to extinguish the fire was the only viable option.
‘We would like to take this opportunity to remind Islanders that despite recent rainfall we are still experiencing an extended dry period and Island water supplies are at a reduced level. The lighting of fires should be avoided to reduce the likelihood of a wildfire or further threat to water supplies.’
