GFS battling wildfires at Perseverance, Sand Hills

The Guyana Fire Service and the Guyana Police Force were, up to late Tuesday evening, battling large wildfires in the vicinity of Perseverance /Providence, along the East Bank Demerara, and in communities along the Demerara River below the Sand Hills area.
These blazes have led to a considerable amount of smoke enveloping the named communities and those contiguous to them; and in light of the impact of these wildfires, residents are strongly advised to prioritize their safety and wellbeing by taking precautionary measures against associated health risks stemming from smoke inhalation. To this end, the Home Affairs Ministry is urging persons to stay indoors, and keep all windows and doors shut to minimize exposure to smoke whenever feasible.
In addition, residents are urged to limit their outdoor activities, and if outdoor ventures are unavoidable, they are strongly urged to wear a mask in order to mitigate the risks of smoke inhalation.
Residents are also urged to adopt these precautionary measures:
Utilise air filtration: Employ air conditioning systems to aid in filtering indoor air quality.

Stay informed: Stay abreast of the latest updates and advisories from the Guyana Fire Service and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Plan alternative routes: If travel is necessary, consider alternative routes to circumvent smoke-laden areas and thoroughfares.
Exercise caution while driving: Motorists navigating these affected areas should exercise extreme vigilance due to diminished visibility caused by smoke. Use hazard lights or high beams, and be mindful of trucks and pedestrians.
Protect vulnerable groups: Take additional precautions to safeguard vulnerable demographics, including children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory ailments.
The Home Affairs Ministry is emphasising the importance of exercising extreme caution on the roads. Motorists are implored to reduce speeds and utilize high and low beams, or hazard lights, to ensure safe navigation through affected areas.
A few days ago, the Ministry called 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 these fires, and perpetrators found responsible would be made to face legal consequences.
Furthermore, citizens are implored to abstain from starting fires, adopt preventive measures, and extend assistance in extinguishing any fire, if possible.
Residents are strongly encouraged to dial 912 to promptly report any occurrence of grass or wildfire within their communities.