Linden sawmill dump fire: Sawmill operators advised to halt operations as 2nd fire is ignited

More than 72hrs after a blaze erupted at a sawmill waste dump in Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara- Upper Berbice), industrial operators who use the area have been advised to halt all operations until further notice.
According to reports from the Home Affairs Ministry, the fire at the site of the Waaldijk Sawmill in Amelia’s Ward, Linden, which broke out Wednesday evening (April 9, 2025), has been contained but not yet fully extinguished. As such, crews are working diligently to prevent any resurgence or spread of the blaze.
The Ministry of Home Affairs and the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) are strongly urging all surrounding sawmill operators to temporarily cease operations. This comes as emergency efforts continue and risks remain high in the immediate area.
This appeal follows a recent incident in which a nearby hut caught fire and was severely damaged. Preliminary reports indicate that the fire was triggered by negligent disposal of fresh timber waste by a nearby sawmill operation. The waste was placed too close to the fire’s edge, where it ignited and spread to the shed, resulting in significant destruction.
Firefighters reported that there are approximately ten sawmills operating in close proximity to the fire zone, further compounding the risk. The cooperation of all operators is deemed critical to ensuring the safety of personnel, equipment, and surrounding property.
Emergency response teams remain actively engaged to extinguish the inferno. The public is reminded to stay clear of the area while firefighting and containment activities are ongoing.