Fire & Wildfire Management
A wildfire is a fire that rages out of control in the wilderness — forest, countryside or thick bush. In Nevis, the dry season turns hillsides into tinder; one spark from lightning, a discarded cigarette or an unattended cook-fire is all it takes.
What is a Wildfire?
A wildfire is a fire that rages out of control in the wilderness — areas with thick foliage like forest or countryside. These fires can be started by lightning strikes, by accident (discarded cigarettes, unattended cook-fires, agricultural burning that escapes) or by arson. Once started, the fire spreads quickly — igniting brush, trees and homes in its path.
Wildfires aren't the only fire hazard on the island. Structure fires (homes and businesses), kitchen grease fires and electrical fires together cause more loss of life and property each year than wildfires do. The response — call 911, get out, stay out — is the same for all of them.
Most fire deaths come from smoke inhalation and toxic gases — not from being burned. A working smoke alarm doubles your chance of surviving a house fire by giving you the seconds you need to get out.
Where Do Wildfires Happen?
Wildfires are common in wildland settings — anywhere there is thick foliage and a period of little rainfall. In Nevis the highest-risk zones are:
- The upper slopes of Nevis Peak and surrounding mountain forest
- Bush areas along the Round Road and parish boundary fringes
- Sugar-cane and grass fields during the dry season (January–May)
- Anywhere with drought-stressed vegetation and high winds
The drought hazard page covers the slow-onset risk; wildfires are the sharp end of the same problem. When Nevis is at Drought Level 2 or higher, fire danger climbs accordingly — see the Drought page for the current monitoring picture.
What to Do
Before
Most fires are won or lost before they start — prepare the home and the family in the calm.
- Build an emergency kit (water, first-aid, flashlight, battery radio, N95 dust masks)
- Make a family communications plan and identify your meet-up point outside the home
- Rake the lawn and remove leaves, twigs and dry debris from around the house
- Test smoke alarms monthly and change the batteries twice a year
- Keep a working fire extinguisher in the kitchen and learn how to use it
- Never play with matches, lighters or open flames — and teach children the same
- Clear a 30-foot 'defensible space' of cleared vegetation around the home in bush areas
During
Get out, stay out, and call 911 from outside — never go back inside for belongings.
- Listen to emergency officials — if they say evacuate, evacuate immediately
- If you see a wildfire, call the fire department (469-3444) — you may be the first to spot it
- Put important things that won't be damaged by water in a pool, pond or sealed container
- Turn on outside lights and all the lights inside the house — it helps you be seen in heavy smoke
- Close all windows, doors and vents to keep smoke out
- Cover your nose and mouth with a wet cloth if smoke is heavy — stay low to the ground
- If your clothes catch fire — STOP, DROP and ROLL until the flames are out
After
The danger isn't over when the flames go out. Hot spots, smoke and live wires linger.
- Keep a 'fire watch' — look for smoke or sparks throughout the house and tell an adult
- If you evacuated, do not return home until safety officials say it's safe
- Stay away from downed or dangling power lines — they could electrocute you
- Do not use water from the faucet unless emergency officials say so
- Check for hot spots in attics and crawl spaces — hidden fires can re-ignite hours later
- Document damage with photos for insurance before cleaning up
Types of Fire — and How to Fight Each
Different fires need different responses. Using the wrong extinguisher — or water on a grease or electrical fire — makes things worse.
Wildfire / Bushfire
A fire that rages out of control in the wilderness — forest, countryside or thick foliage. Started by lightning, accident or arson; spreads fast on dry vegetation and high wind.
Structure Fire
Fires that start inside a building — caused by faulty wiring, unattended cooking, candles or heaters. Smoke and toxic gases kill more people than the flames themselves.
Electrical Fire
Sparked by faulty wiring, overloaded outlets, damaged cables or appliance failure. Never use water — cut the breaker first, then use a dry chemical extinguisher (Class C).
Kitchen / Grease Fire
Started by hot oil or grease igniting on the stove. NEVER throw water — that causes an explosion. Slide a lid over the pan or use a Class K extinguisher; turn off the burner.
Fire Danger Index
The five-level fire-danger rating used internationally and adapted to Caribbean conditions. NDMD coordinates with the meteorological service to issue daily ratings during the dry season.
Low
Fuels do not ignite easily from small sparks. Fires that start can be controlled quickly.
→ Normal precautions.
Moderate
Fires start from most accidental causes. Fires in open areas spread slowly to moderately fast.
→ Be alert when burning.
High
All fine dead fuels ignite readily. Unattended brush fires and campfires likely to escape.
→ Avoid all open flames; observe burn bans.
Very High
Fires start easily from all causes and spread rapidly. Direct attack is difficult.
→ No open flames; stay alert for evacuation.
Extreme
Fires of all types start quickly, burn intensely and spread very rapidly. Mass fire behaviour likely.
→ Total burn ban; be ready to evacuate.
Words to Know
If your clothes catch fire — stop where you are, drop to the ground and cover your face with your hands, then roll back and forth until the flames are out. Running fans the flames; rolling smothers them.
Volunteer With Us
NDMD recruits and trains Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) volunteers to help neighbours prepare for and respond to fires and other hazards. Sign up online or pick up a form at the office.