Firefighters are on the alert: the risk of fires on the island is very high at the moment due to the drought. The population is asked to be vigilant.
Drought periods are not uncommon in Saint-Martin, but it is exceptional, and worrying. According to Météo France, "this is the second time in 46 years that all the stations have recorded such a low cumulative amount between November 1 and June 30" concerning rainfall data. The prefect Anne Laubies therefore issued an order to prevent fires until August 31. As a reminder, last month, a fire broke out inside the Cul-de-Sac waste center. Fanned by the wind, the fire then spread to the vegetation, towards Cul-de-Sac and Anse Marcel. In metropolitan France too, drought is making headlines: soils have rarely been so dry. What to remember the great drought of 1976.
Here are the provisions of the decree for Saint-Martin:
"It prohibits anyone in sensitive natural areas as well as in areas located less than two hundred meters including the routes that cross them:
- to bring or light a fire in the open air by: burning of standing plants (scald) or plants gathered in heaps (grass, branches), fireworks, campfires, combustion lamps, barbecues mobiles and all other devices operating by combustion;
- throwing away ignited objects (cigarette butts, matches, etc.). "
Financial aid for farmers
Farm animals are also suffering from drought. Among the important decisions of the last executive council, elected officials chose to grant aid to farmers of 20.000 euros. “Drought has negative consequences for agriculture and livestock; it leads to a higher mortality rate in livestock, a decrease in production rates and fertility rates and has a negative influence on weight productivity, ”explains the Collectivité. While waiting for the exceptional relief funds, the council therefore granted a subsidy on the proposal of the agricultural association ADEPPAL which will be responsible in particular for purchasing fodder and water.
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