National

Blessing Or Curse: The Good And Bad Of Brush Fires

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Every year, brush fires scorch acres of land across The Bahamas, from dense pine forests in Andros to bushy fields on New Providence.

Published

7 months ago

May 8, 2025

Delvardo Emmanuel

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Every year, brush fires scorch acres of land across The Bahamas, from dense pine forests in Andros to bushy fields on New Providence.

In recent weeks, brush fires have wreaked havoc across the country.

These fast-moving blazes often prompt emergency responses and spark concern from residents nearby.

On the surface, brush fires may seem like nothing more than a threat; they destroy habitats, pollute the air, and release large amounts of carbon into the atmosphere, all contributing to climate change and endangering native species.

But fires aren’t always the enemy.

Environmentalists like Eric Carey say controlled or natural low-intensity fires help clear dead vegetation, return nutrients to the soil, and encourage new plant growth, especially in pine forests, which are fire-adapted.

But most importantly, the experts warn that as our climate shifts and human development spreads, brush fires must be monitored closely.

Unchecked, they can go from helpful to harmful in a matter of minutes.