they planned controlled burnings on their properties.

Their appeal followed two false reports of brush fires on Monday.

Three vehicles and 11 firefighters responded to a report of a brush fire near Bierman's Quarry in Smith's Parish around 5.30 p.m., but when they arrived they found people burning tree cuttings on a 600-square-foot area. No assistance was required.

Shortly after 7.20 p.m., two vehicles -- one from Hamilton and another from Port Royal -- and six firefighters were called to Whale Bay, Southampton, but again found the fire was under control.

"In the past we have made announcements to ask people to call when they plan to control burn and let us know when they have finished,'' the spokesman said.

"It stops us from running around.'' Meanwhile firefighters arrived too late to stop a wooden shed in St. George's from burning to the ground on Monday after sending eight vehicles to the scene.

Men from St. George's Fire Brigade and the US Naval Air Station responded to the 2.35 p.m. call at Turkey Hill. Damage to the 100-square-foot shed was put at $100.