Bolgatanga, Oct 16, GNA- The Upper East Regional Director of Fire Service, Mr Steven Kandue, on Wednesday said that the rate at which bushes and farms are burnt in the area has not changed despite continuous education and training of community fire fighters.

He said the PNDC Law 227 on bush fires is not effective in controlling the crime since the fines imposed on those found guilty are minimal.

Mr Kandue was speaking at a forum on disaster organized by the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) in Bolgatanga for chiefs, community leaders and District Chief Executives in the region. He said the situation is still bad because some people refuse to change their habits and so some hunters, farmers, Fulani herdsmen and those who harvest honey continue to use their old methods, which involve the setting of fire.