105 persons homeless in Berbice from 67 fires – Fire Service

One hundred and five persons were rendered homeless from sixty-seven fires in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) and Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) between January and September 2025. Those figures were provided by Divisional Fire Officer Clive McDonald at a church service on Sunday to mark the beginning of Fire Prevention Month.

This year, Fire Prevention Month is being observed under the theme, ‘Let’s prevent fires for the development of a safer nation’.
He pointed out that as Guyana develops, fires impede development.
“From the loss of a home to the tragic passing of a loved one, the devastation these disasters leave in the world is heartbreaking due to the mass destruction caused by the fire,” McDonald pointed out. So far for the year, the department in the two regions, responded to 264 calls, 67 of which are private dwellings.
McDonald noted that those fires in dwelling places were of different causes.
“I encourage all citizens of this division, Berbice, to install and maintain smoke alarms and fire extinguishers and to practice a fire escape plan that includes at least two ways out of every room,” the fire officer said. Noting that this current dry season is prone to wildfires, the fire officer is urging citizens to take action by clearing flammable vegetation and to practice fire safety in order to help reduce the occurrence of wildfires.
“As we mark Fire Prevention Month, by recommitting to prepare, we extend our thoughts and prayers to all those who have been affected by fire this year.”
He also took the opportunity to give tips on fire prevention at workplaces and schools.
“Keep flammable and combustible materials away from heat sources. Never leave cooking unattended. Check your active and passive firefighting systems. Use electrical equipment and devices according to the manufacturer’s recommendations and make sure that they are properly installed, tested, and maintained to provide protection,” he advised. The goal of the fire department’s fire prevention is to educate the public on the precautions that should be taken to prevent potential harmful fires from occurring, McDonald explained, as he cautioned persons not to let their dreams go up in flames, smoke, or ashes.