GFS warns of dangers of grass fires

The Guyana Fire Service has issued another warning about the dangers of setting fire to grass and garbage during the dry season, as the most recent of this behaviour has resulted in damages to a property.
The GFS said in a statement it has spent the last three months fighting serious grass and garbage fires across the country, and over the weekend, units all over the coast were constantly engaged in fighting large grass and brush fires.
On Monday, at about 12:28h, another deliberately-set fire got out of control and threatened the New Guyana School as well as houses located in the Floral Park community and neighbouring areas.
The fire eventually spread to a house at Lot 38-39 Houston Estate, Georgetown, and 12 firefighters, along with fire tenders from the West Ruimveldt, Central, and Alberttown fire stations, were all involved in containing and extinguishing the blaze.
One jet was used to put out the fire which had caught on a two-storey wooden-and-concrete house and resulted in severe damage to two metres of wooden shingle roofing.
In total, seven tanks of water were used to extinguish the grass fire, which was eventually extinguished at around 13:20h on Tuesday, after it had reignited.
“The GFS reiterates the importance of practising fire safety during the dry season, when fires are more likely to occur. Our resources are constantly being depleted as we try to respond to, and extinguish, every fire, some of which are solely attributed to some citizens’ carelessness and ignorance of the situation at hand.”
Last week, the GFS had found itself stretched thin as it responded to a staggering total of 23 fire reports in one day, 21 of which were identified as grass or garbage fires. One particularly devastating blaze 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.
Last month, classroom sessions at Canje Secondary School in East Berbice were brought to a halt because of a grass fire which erupted in close proximity to that educational institution. It was the second such fire to affect the school within days.
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.
These fires pose threats to the environment and citizens’ health, and can result in death or the destruction of properties. Citizens are being continuously urged to desist from burning grass or rubbish, and to not leave those fires unattended. They are also urged to inform the Fire Service immediately if such fires occur. (G12)