Madam Stella Amoatemaa, Nkoranza Municipal Chief Executive, has advised people in the municipality to be cautious about the manner in which they handle fire, in order not to cause bushfires to destroy property and the environment.

She appealed to religious leaders to use their pulpits to remind the congregation about the causes and effects of bushfires, to help combat bushfire disasters during the harmattan.

Madam Amoatemaa gave the advice when she addressed the Municipal Anti – Bushfire Committee at a meeting to discuss measures to check bushfires in the various communities.

She said available information indicated that some youth from the Techiman Municipality always visited some parts of Nkoranza during the Harmattan to burn bushes for game, thereby destroying farm lands and food crops.

She, therefore, advised the youth of the area against the negative practices, cautioning that the perpetrators would be prosecuted.

Madam Amoatemaa expressed regret about large tracts of cocoa farms and food crops which were destroyed by bushfires in 1983 and said that caused a great famine in the country.

She stressed the need for the people to learn from the bitter experience and protect the lands against bushfires.

She called on the local and community fire volunteers to remain committed to their services to the country, and kick-start in the various communities, actions that would prevent both domestic and bushfires.

Mr Henry Esson, Nkoranza Municipal Assistant Fire Officer, said there were about 400 active fire volunteers operating within the Municipality.

Mr Esson disclosed that some fire service personnel had been detailed to visit the various communities and to monitor activities and movements of farmers and the general public to prevent bushfires.

He warned chainsaw operators against the indiscriminate and illegal felling of trees, because the culprits would be prosecuted.

The Nkoranza Municipal NADMO Co-ordinator, Mr Evans Osei - Worae, said the Assembly had special incentive package for communities without bushfires during the Harmattan, and advised community leaders to help guard their areas against such disasters.

GNA