The recent surge in grass fires across the island has caused nearly $70 000 in damage to Barbados Light & Power’s infrastructure, prompting the utility to adopt new protective measures and to renew calls for public caution.

The company’s Senior Engineering Manager For Transmission And Distribution, Victor Callender, revealed that multiple areas have been affected during the current dry season, with utility poles and other infrastructure sustaining significant damage.

“Approximately 13 areas were affected by apparent grass fires. Twenty-one poles have been impacted so far during the 2026 dry season,” Callender told Barbados TODAY. He added that some 180 poles have been affected since last year and estimated that repairs and replacements linked to grass fire damage have cost the company approximately $65 000 so far this year.