Belize has officially entered its annual fire season, which spans from February 15 to June 15, with forestry officials warning that human-caused fires represent the most significant threat to forest ecosystems and rural communities. Chief Forest Officer Victoria Chi emphasized that the majority of wildfires originate from agricultural burning practices and residential waste disposal that rapidly escalate beyond control.
According to Chi, inadequate safety measures during routine farming activities frequently lead to fires spreading into surrounding vegetation. “Individuals often initiate burns for agricultural purposes without implementing necessary precautions or following established best practices, resulting in these fires escaping containment,” she stated. The department has additionally identified hunting-related activities as another contributing factor, where vegetation is cleared to attract game species.
While human activity remains the primary cause, natural phenomena such as “dry lightning” events in regions like Mountain Pine Ridge also contribute to wildfire outbreaks during periods of low rainfall.
In response to extensive fires recorded in 2024, the Forest Department has enhanced its national emergency response capabilities through expanded coordination networks and intensified training programs. A recent simulation exercise conducted at San Miguel Camping Ground in Mountain Pine Ridge brought together firefighters and protected area managers for practical wildfire management training.
The department urges public cooperation through several critical preventive measures: obtaining free burning permits from the Agriculture Department prior to any agricultural burning, establishing proper firebreaks, maintaining water and firefighting equipment on site, avoiding burning during windy conditions, never leaving fires unattended, and immediately reporting wildfires to authorities including the Forest Department (610-1524), NEMO (936), police (911), fire services (990), or regional agricultural departments.