A grass fire that erupted in the frontlands of Brighton Village in Central Corentyne shortly after 13:00h on Wednesday was still burning up to late Wednesday evening, despite numerous firefighters being actively engaged in dousing the blaze in an attempt to extinguish it.
Residents of the area have said the entire eastern half of the village has been affected, and reports are that farm camps have been destroyed.
The grass fire at Brighton Village, Corentyne, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne)
Having its genesis in the frontlands of the village, the fire has gravitated towards the backlands and has engulfed most of the vegetation there. Some residents have said the thick smoke billowing from the fire has forced them to leave their homes and stand on the roadside in the hot sun for hours, even into nightfall.
Reports are that animal owners who have their animals in pens could not access those pens to release them. One resident has said she has five pit bull dogs in a pen, and although they are being affected by the smoke, she and the rest of her family could only stand on the roadside without going to their assistance.
Several grass fires have been reported in Region Six over the past days. One such has forced the suspension of classes at the Canje Secondary School on Tuesday.
And on Thursday, the western half of Stanleytown Cemetery in New Amsterdam was under fire. Firefighters there could do nothing but try to contain the blaze within the ‘final resting place’ of the several departed souls.
Meanwhile, the Guyana Fire Service (GFS), in an advisory on Tuesday, pointed out that during this current dry season, the probability of grass fires occurring has been greatly increased. GFS has said it has been receiving a number of reports of these types of fires occurring, and is calling on citizens to be vigilant and cautious.
“Citizens are urged to desist from lighting grass or garbage fires at this time,” the GFS has said.
Persons are being advised to follow a few safety tips in order to control and prevent grass and garbage fires. These are: to desist from openly burning grass and garbage; find other means of disposal and/or land clearing.
“Do not throw cigarette or cigar butts on the ground or out of a vehicle. Dispose of them properly, and make sure they are compAdults are also being advised to educate children about the dangers of playing with fire.
As a safety measure, persons are being advised to keep a shovel, bucket of water, fire extinguisher, or other fire suppression tools on hand. (G4)
