Mahdia, Soesdyke properties destroyed by fire, 6 homeless

…dry conditions fuel fire risk – Station Officer warns

The Guyana Fire Service (GFS) is urging the public to take greater precautions against fires as prolonged dry conditions continue, following separate fires in Mahdia, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) and Soesdyke, Timehri, Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) which left six people homeless and destroyed another building.

At Desert Storm Street, Central Mahdia, Region Eight a firefighting crew from the Mahdia Fire Station responded to a report of a fire.
Upon arrival, firefighters found a wooden single-flat, six-apartment building engulfed in flames. The firefighters managed to prevent the blaze from spreading to nearby structures.
Six people were left homeless as a result of the fire. Investigations are ongoing.
Meanwhile, firefighters from the Timehri Fire Station responded to a fire at Ivan Road, Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara (EBD).
Another firefighting crew were dispatched to the scene. The fire was extinguished, but the building and its contents were destroyed. Investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of that fire.

Grass, wildfires
The Fire Service has also raised concerns over the increased occurrence of grass and wildfires during the current dry period.
Station Officer Rovin Thomas said national fire data showed that grass and wildfires increased from 150 occurrences in September 2025 to 355 in September 2026, representing a 136 per cent increase.
Thomas said prolonged dry conditions, higher temperatures, reduced rainfall and water shortages can increase the frequency of grass and wildfires, with smoke and haze potentially affecting communities, schools and roadways.
He noted that such fires, which were historically more common in rural areas, are now also occurring in urban housing developments. He attributed some of the fires to cut-and-clear activities, the burning of builder’s waste and the indiscriminate burning of rubbish and dry vegetation.
The Fire Service is advising residents to keep yards and surrounding areas free of dry grass, leaves and other combustible materials, while creating fire breaks around homes, farms and critical infrastructure.
Residents are also being urged to avoid burning rubbish, leaves and vegetation, use water wisely, repair leaking taps and pipes, and report damaged pipelines or hydrants to the relevant authorities.
The public is further advised to remain hydrated, limit strenuous activities during peak heat hours, monitor weather updates and fire alerts, and remain alert to wildfire risks in their communities.
Anyone observing suspicious fire or smoke is urged to immediately contact the Fire Service at 912.