§ 29. Mr. Russellasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many acres of land were affected by the recent bush fires in the Bahamas; what damage was done to timber, agricultural land or buildings; how many days it took to bring these fires under control; and whether he is satisfied that adequate precautions will be taken to prevent or control such fires in the future.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydThe forest fires in question affected 7–8,000 acres in scattered and largely uninhabited areas and burned for nine days. The chief damage was to the natural regeneration. Grown timber will survive and there was no damage to agricultural land or buildings. Such measures of control as were feasible in the circumstances were taken. The Bahamas Government is doing what it can to improve control measures, but there, as elsewhere, the prevention of fires can only be achieved by the cooperation of an enlightened public.