A week long campaign on anti-bush fire measures, last Monday, ended in the Western Region.

The campaign which covered sixteen communities ws implemented by the Office of the Governor in partnership with St. Joseph's Family Farm Centre, Regional Forestry Department, Brikama Area Council, Gambia Fire and Rescue Service and Kanilai Farm.

The campaign was an annual event which started in 2005 and conceived by the Regional Task Force on Anti-bush Fire headed by Bakary Dembo Badjie, chief of Foni Bondali. The targeted communities were Foni Jarrol, Foni Bondali, Foni Kansala, Foni Bintang, Foni Brefet, Kombo East, Kombo Central and Kombo South.

Speaking at a forum in Marakissa, Kombo Central,  Abdoulie Sanneh, the regional forestry officer, commended partners for their efforts and noted the benefits of forest to communities in the provisions of fuel, medicines, rainfal and , grazing for animals among others. He called for collective efforts in protecting the forest.

 Mr Sanneh further urged village heads to be cautious in issuing forest licences. He also informed communities that charcoal production within the country was banned by government in 1977 and urged people to adhere to the laws. The regional forestry officer urged youths to create fire belt around their communities to reduce the dangers of bush fire.

Samba Jarju of The Gambia Fire and Rescue Service spoke of the role of his service to enhancing environmental protection. He highlighted the need to adopt preventive measures and ensuring prompt response to bush fire incidents.

Tijan Manga, an official of St. Joseph's Family Farm Centre, underscored the commitments of his centre towards protecting the environment.He said SJFFC is determined to continue to support activities that seek to empower women and youth groups in the region.

He then urged beneficiaries to disseminate the knowledge gained to other communities who are yet to be sensitised. On his part,  Abdou FSH Jarjure, National Assembly Member for Kombo Central, urged the regional Forestry Department to intensify tree planting exercise in the region.