At approximately 11.42am today, the Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service responded to a report of a confirmed brushfire in the Blue Hole Hill area.

Fire Service spokesman Sergeant Jamal Albuoy said: “BFRS responded to the incident with two appliances from our Clearwater Station and six personnel. On our arrival, an area of brush measuring approximately 20ft by 30ft was involved with fire. BFRS personnel quickly brought the fire under control and subsequently extinguished the blaze. Firefighters then secured the scene by wetting down the surrounding areas. The cause of the fire was the result of a controlled burn of vegetation measuring 10ft by 10ft that spread to nearby vegetation and trees.

Members of the public are advised, before commencing controlled burns, to:

1, Notify the BFRS fire dispatch at 296-7559 that you will be carrying it out.

2, Have a continuous and adequate water supply on hand. In addition, a sufficient smothering agent such as sand should be used as a back-up.

Once you have concluded the burn:

1, Wet down the area with water to ensure it is completely extinguished. Sand can then be used to cover the ambers. This will prevent any rekindling of the fire.

2, Notify the fire dispatch at 296-7559 that the burn has been completed.

For containment purposes, controlled burns should be conducted in a 50-gallon steel drum. Vegetation should be added to the drum as it continues to burn down. In the event of an emergency, please contact 911.