The increasing incidence of fires in the city of Santiago, in the province of Veraguas, has alarmed the authorities of the Fire Department. They warn that many of these fires are caused by the irresponsible actions of some individuals. Colonel Eduardo Cheng, head of the Meritorious Fire Department in Santiago, called on the relevant authorities to open formal investigations and apply sanctions to those found responsible for starting any type of fire. According to Cheng, a large part of these incidents originates from the burning of garbage or the bad practice of setting fire to pastures and lands without due caution, actions that are often carried out to clean properties without considering the risks involved. "There are people who, instead of properly cleaning their land, properties, or pastures, prefer to set them on fire without measuring the consequences, which causes fires that endanger communities and cause damage to the environment," warned the fire chief. The colonel also pointed out that every fire represents a risk to human life, in addition to implying a considerable wear and tear on emergency units that must constantly mobilize to control the flames. In this situation, Cheng reiterated the need for any person involved in a fire to be subjected to an investigation process, in order to determine responsibilities and curb these practices that affect the security of the population and the natural environment. Finally, the fire chief urged the citizenry to avoid indiscriminate burning and to adopt responsible practices in waste management and land cleaning, remembering that prevention is key to avoiding tragedies and environmental damage in the region.
