The St. Elizabeth Fire Department suspect that the slash and burn method of clearing land was the cause of a fire in Flagaman, St. Elizabeth on Tuesday.
Sparks from that fire led to a second blaze, a few hours later, resulting in loss of millions of dollars worth of crops.
The farmers lost melons, onions, scallions, tomatoes, cantaloupes and beet root.
One farmer, Robert Myrie, says the first fire started about 9:00 a.m. and was extinguished by the Junction Fire Brigade.
Then about 1 o'clock in the afternoon, there was another fire in the same area, which caused more damage.
Mr. Myrie said the fires are a major blow to farmers already struggling with drought, and estimated losses could be around $6.5 million.
He pleaded for persons to be more cautious when starting fires.
Mr. Myre said several acres of grass used for mulching were also lost in the fires.
