KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Agricultural Commodities Regulatory Authority (JACRA) is urging farmers and members of the agricultural community to exercise extreme caution when handling fires and disposing of household waste, as dry conditions continue to affect several areas across Jamaica.

The warning follows a devastating fire in the Westphalia area of the Blue Mountains, one of Jamaica’s most important coffee-producing regions, which caused extensive damage to farms, crops, and properties.

Residents reported that a fire, believed to have started in the early hours of Wednesday, August 26, escaped control and spread rapidly through the area. Several coffee farmers reportedly suffered extensive losses, with some losing entire sections of their farms, while others also sustained damage to their homes.

Following the incident, JACRA led a delegation to the affected community to assess the damage and engage with farmers impacted by the fire.

The authority noted that the impact on coffee farmers is especially severe because of the time required for coffee plants to mature. Coffee trees typically take about three to four years before reaching production, meaning the loss of mature plants represents a major setback to farmers’ livelihoods and future earnings.

Many farmers also depend on intercropping to supplement their income between coffee harvests. However, the fire destroyed several of these additional crops, increasing the financial hardship faced by affected farmers.

Among those affected is 68-year-old coffee farmer Basil Willis, who has spent more than 50 years in agriculture. Willis, who owns approximately 2.5 acres of coffee farmland in the area, lost his entire farm in the blaze and narrowly avoided losing his home.

Recalling the incident, Willis said he became aware of the fire after seeing smoke rising from the area.

“I saw smoke at a distance, around 5 o’clock in the morning. I went to check on one of my neighbouring farms and saw the helicopter and the smoke coming up. By the time I got back home, the farm was already destroyed, and the fire had almost reached my house. The farmers had to come together and help to save it,” he told JACRA.

Coffee farmers Basil and Miriam Willis stand among the burnt remains of vegetation in Westphalia, St. Andrew, following the devastating fire.

With much of his livelihood destroyed, Willis said farmers urgently need support in the form of agricultural inputs to begin rebuilding.

“The main things we will need now are seedlings and fertiliser to help us start over.”

Patrick Pitterson, acting senior director for coffee at JACRA, said the damage highlights the need for farmers to take every possible precaution during periods of prolonged dryness.

“[It] demonstrates the need for every farmer to take active steps to prevent and control bush fires during the dry season. A small flame can spread rapidly through dry grass, leaves, pruned branches, and coffee waste, especially during strong winds,” he said.

He encouraged farmers to remain alert and take practical steps to reduce the risk of fires on and around their farms.

Likewise, JACRA is advising farmers and members of the public to observe the following fire prevention measures during the dry season:

— Avoid burning vegetation, pruning, household waste, or trash during periods of extreme dryness or strong winds. Use composting, mulching or approved disposal methods instead.

— Never leave a fire unattended, even if it appears to be under control. A responsible adult should remain present until the fire is completely extinguished and the ashes are cold.

— Where burning is legally permitted, obtain the required approval, clear a wide area around the site, create firebreaks, have water and tools available, and inform nearby farmers before starting.

— Keep farms, access roads, homes, processing areas, and storage facilities free from dry grass, leaves, branches, and other flammable material.

— Establish and maintain firebreaks around farm boundaries and between sections of the farm. Firebreaks should be cleared regularly before the dry season and widened where necessary.

—Report smoke or fires immediately. Do not assume that someone else has already made a report. Early reporting can help prevent a small fire from becoming a major incident.

— Encourage your community to practice fire safety. Bush fire prevention is everyone’s responsibility. Farmers are encouraged to speak with neighbours, family members and community groups about the dangers of careless burning.

— After a fire, inspect the farm for hidden hot spots, damaged trees, exposed roots, and unsafe structures. Record losses, protect surviving plants and report the incident for coordinated assistance and recovery planning.

Director General of JACRA Everett Hyatt reaffirmed the authority’s commitment to supporting farmers and protecting the agricultural sector.

“Farmers are an important part of Jamaica’s economy, and at JACRA, we are committed to standing with them, especially when they face challenges of this nature. We are deeply saddened by the losses experienced by the farmers in the Blue Mountains, and we extend our sympathies to everyone who has been affected,” he said.