The Guyana Fire Service had found itself stretched thin on Monday as it responded to a staggering total of 23 fire reports, 21 of which were identified as grass or garbage fires, underscoring the growing threat of this phenomenon to public safety and property.
One particularly devastating blaze, which was ignited at 12:32h on Monday, not only continued to ravage the area, but also engulfed a nearby lumber yard and resulted in losses amounting to millions for the business owner. Fire fighters, battling against time and fierce flames, laboured relentlessly to contain the inferno, and up until Tuesday morning, the battle was still raging. The financial toll on the lumber yard remains substantial.
Some of the fires that caused destruction on Monday
Undeterred by the surge in incidents, the Guyana Fire Service has deployed all available resources to ensure every fire has been promptly extinguished and all related threats have been eliminated.
Just last Friday, fire fighters faced a daunting challenge as they spent over 10 hours battling a deliberately set wildfire in Rome, East Bank Demerara. The incident highlighted the brazen disregard some individuals exhibit for the safety of their fellow citizens, as well as the homes, businesses, and natural habitats that these fires endanger.
The Fire Service has expressed deep concern over the carelessness exhibited by certain members of respective communities, who continue to ignore warnings about the gravity of their actions. These reckless acts not only jeopardize lives, but also pose severe threats to homes, businesses, and the environment at large.
Grass fires in particular are notorious for their speed and ferocity. Fuelled by dry conditions and wind, these fires can swiftly cause extensive damage to properties, harm wildlife, and present a significant risk to human safety. Experts emphasize the importance of taking proactive measures to prevent such incidents, and to respond promptly if a fire does occur.
Citizens are strongly urged to equip their homes and businesses with essential safety equipment, including fire and smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, and sprinkler systems.
Remaining vigilant and actively scrutinising the surroundings for signs of grass or garbage fires is crucial, the Fire Service has said. If any such fire is observed, it should be reported immediately to the Fire Department via the emergency hotline 912.
A few weeks ago, the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) collaborated with other agencies to establish a comprehensive strategy to combat the increasing occurrences of grassfires, commonly known as wildfires.
Chief Fire Officer (ag) Gregory Wickham, emphasising the rise in these incidents during a media interaction, has advised against leaving grass or garbage fires unattended, especially during the dry season, when they can quickly escalate.
He also highlighted the challenge of accessibility in remote areas, where firefighters have to continue on foot due to limited vehicle access. (G9)
