Jail time, up to $300,000 in fines for illegally burning garbage – GFS warns
The Guyana Fire Service on Monday cautioned citizens to desist from openly burning heaps of garbage or grass. This is after several recent reports of garbage and grass fires at various parts of the country.
Ranks from the GFS extinguishing a pile of garbage that was set on fire and left unattended
“If these fires do occur, they should never be left unattended as they possess the potential to spread and become major fire emergencies. Persons desirous of using fire as a method of land clearing or for any other purpose must obtain permission from the Guyana Fire Service before proceeding further,” the GPF said.
Giving tips for controlling and preventing grass fires, the GPF noted, “do not throw cigarettes on the ground or out of a vehicle; and being mindful of parking cars, trucks or recreational vehicles on dry grass or shrubs. Exhaust systems on vehicles can reach a temperature of more than 1000 degrees but it only takes about 500 degrees to start a fire during the dry season.”
Additionally, the GPF urged that parents should emphasise to their children the dangers of playing with fire. Always keep a shovel, bucket of water, fire extinguisher, or other fire suppression tools on hand.
Burning of waste can result in the release of highly toxic pollutants into your home and environment. It is illegal to openly burn garbage in Guyana and this offence attracts a fine of $80,000 to $300,000 and perpetrators can face up to three months’ imprisonment.
