JACRA urges fire safety as Blue Mountain blaze leaves coffee farmers facing major losses

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Agricultural Commodities Regulatory Authority (JACRA) is urging farmers and members of the agricultural community to exercise extreme caution when handling fires and disposing of household waste, as dry conditions continue to affect several areas across Jamaica.

The warning follows a devastating fire in the Westphalia area of the Blue Mountains, one of Jamaica’s most important coffee-producing regions, which caused extensive damage to farms, crops, and properties.

Residents reported that a fire, believed to have started in the early hours of Wednesday, August 26, escaped control and spread rapidly through the area. Several coffee farmers reportedly suffered extensive losses, with some losing entire sections of their farms, while others also sustained damage to their homes.