ODPEM says Mavis Bank bush fires under control

The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) is reporting this afternoon that the bush fires in the Flamstead area of Mavis Bank St Andrew are now under control.

ODPEM says reports from the Jamaica Fire Brigade are that should wind conditions remain favourable the fires should not spread to other areas.

The fires have been burning since last Saturday.

Residents say it started in the community of Mount Charles and quickly spread to sections of Tower Hill and other areas in Mavis Bank.

Coffee farmers in the affected areas say the fires could result in losses totalling billions of dollars.

In a statement, ODPEM says fire fighters are still working to extinguish the fires and that efforts are being made to ensure that homes are not affected.

ODPEM is also appealing to residents in the affected areas to exercise caution and is urging members of the public to avoid the affected areas where possible.