Current dry spell to persist until end of April

– Govt urges citizens to avoid lighting fires

The significant decrease in visibility along the East Bank Demerara corridor up to Timehri; along the Soesdyke- Linden Highway, and along the West Bank Demerara corridor
has been attributed to a combination of ground fog and smoke resulting from the eruption of grass fires at various places along these communities. The authorities have said that these fires are a result of a mixture of spontaneous combustion and human-induced land clearing and waste destruction.
A release issued by the Home Affairs Ministry has detailed that, “As we continue to experience a prolonged dry season, the risk of fires spreading rapidly and becoming unmanageable is heightened. According to the Guyana Hydrometeorological Service, the dry spell is expected to persist until the end of April.”
The Home Affairs Ministry has said that the mixture of ground fog and smoke poses challenges for both motorists and pedestrians, because visibility has been made extremely difficult. As such, all road users are being urged to exercise extreme caution during this period; and motorists are advised to reduce speed and utilize both high and low beams, or hazard lights, as appropriate.
Additionally, there are significant health risks associated with smoke inhalation. For the safety and wellbeing of all stakeholders, the Ministry has strongly recommended adherence to the following precautions:
• Stay indoors: Whenever feasible, remain indoors, with windows and doors closed to minimise exposure to smoke.
• Limit outdoor activities: If outdoor excursions are unavoidable, wear a mask for protection.
• Utilize air filtration: Employ air conditioning systems to help filter indoor air.
• Stay informed: Keep abreast of the latest information and advisories issued by the Fire Service and EPA.
• Consider alternate routes: When planning travel, explore alternative routes to circumvent smoke-affected areas and roadways.
• Exercise caution: Drive with utmost care in affected areas, due to reduced visibility caused by smoke. Utilize hazard lights or high beams, and remain vigilant for other vehicles and pedestrians.
• Protect vulnerable groups: Take extra precautions to safeguard vulnerable individuals, including children the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions.
The Home Affairs Ministry (MoHA) is urgently calling upon all contractors, land developers, and farmers to refrain from initiating fires on or near their properties. The MoHA has said inspections will be conducted by the Guyana Fire Service and the Guyana Police Force to ascertain the cause and source of any fire, and perpetrators found responsible will face legal consequences.
The MoHA is further imploring citizens to abstain from starting fires, adopt preventive measures, and extend assistance in extinguishing any fire, if possible. In the event of a fire, persons are asked to please promptly contact 912.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on Thursday related that satellite imagery from its IQ Air Dashboard and NASA Worldview detected heat signatures which could indicate the occurrence of fires near Santa Rosa Mission, Anna Regina, Belle West, Schoonord, Buxton, Cane Grove, Little Biabu, Soesdyke, Ituni, Moraikobai, and New Amsterdam.
“Air quality index (AQI) concentrations recorded for Region Two are considered ‘unhealthy’, with concentrations exceeding the standard. AQI concentrations for Georgetown, Eccles, Sophia and Linden are ‘moderate’, while the AQI concentration for Whim and Berbice is ‘good’.” The EPA has said.
The EPA has said it wishes to reiterate to residents within affected areas that they should remain vigilant and take all necessary precautions to ensure personal safety; and reduce exposure to the smoke, which could potentially cause a dry cough, throat and eye irritation, etc. Children, the elderly, and persons with underlying respiratory or cardiovascular illness are most vulnerable, the EPA release has detailed.
The public is advised to report any sighting of a fire to the Guyana Fire Service or the Civil Defence Commission, and adhere to any advisory issued by local authorities. The EPA has said it would continue to provide updates in this regard.