Building on the success of the Fire-Free Village Programme, APRIL Group announced that it will be expanding the programme from 9 in 2015 to 20 villages this year.

Following the programmes inauguration, the nine participating villages saw a significant 90% reduction in areas burnt by fire.

Late last year, three villages were rewarded with cash prizes for having no fires, while another three each received half the reward for having fires less than 1 hectare.

The cultivation of fire crew leaders in the villages also helps promote and maintain fire awareness and community adoption of no-burn practices.

More at APRIL Dialog.