No active wildfires but vigilance continues amid enduring heat – CDC

Earlier this month, Guyana grappled with over 1000 cases of wildfires sweeping across the nation, particularly concentrated in Regions Five (Mahaica-Berbice) and Six (East Berbice-Corentyne). However, on Friday, the landscape shifted, with no active cases reported.
Civil Defence Commission (CDC) Communications Officer Patrice Wishart disclosed this development. The CDC played a pivotal role in the Government’s response to this unprecedented crisis.

Despite the current lull, Wishart emphasised the ongoing monitoring efforts given the persistent heat and the potential for resurgence of the wildfires.
On March 12, a wildfire at Parakies Village in the North West District of Region One (Barima-Waini) claimed the life of 93-year-old Alexander Josephine about 12:30h.
The Guyana Fire Service (GFS) has said initial investigations indicate that the fire originated in an open farmland area adjacent to the Parakies Main Road, and the fire has left significant burn damage and ash residue in its wake amid the dense vegetation.
Known for his dedication to farming, Josephine had left his residence around 09:00h on March 12 to go to his farm. However, around 13:00h, his family received distressing news via cellular phone that he had suffered severe burns while on his farm and had passed away.
Ranks of the Acquero Police Station were informed of the situation, and when emergency responders arrived on the scene, Josephine was reportedly found lying motionless with burns covering his body. He was transported to the Kumaka District Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
Another of the notable blazes ravaged the Santa Aratak/Santa Mission, Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) area along the Demerara River, prompting the evacuation of over 250 persons.
Thirty-eight women, children, and senior citizens were evacuated by the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), while some residents chose to stay with family members along the Linden-Soesdyke Highway and in Linden.
The Government established a shelter at Timehri Primary School to accommodate those displaced. Those individuals have since returned home.
Various entities, including the GFS, GDF, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Guyana Forestry Commission, actively participated in the response efforts.
However, this recent ordeal underscored the nation’s lack of readiness to tackle such calamities. Consequently, the Government sought assistance from Brazil. The collaborative initiative encompasses aerial surveys and cooperation with the CDC to bolster local preparedness.
Brazil will provide guidance and aid, particularly in remote regions. GFS Divisional Officer (Admin) Himchand Persaud stressed the significance of this support. During a recent broadcast, Persaud acknowledged the officials’ prior unpreparedness for such crises.
“Of course, we know that the bush fire or grass fire of that magnitude that we recently experienced we didn’t anticipate that. We are still planning now for next year’s budget with the help of the recommendations we are hoping to have from the Brazilians. We are going to start putting systems in place to be more effective in dealing with our combat,” he said.
In the meantime, the Fire Service is urging citizens to avoid deliberately setting fires to either burn garbage or for land clearing, noting that such acts are punishable by law. Any fire or emission of excessive smoke should be reported to the Fire Service via 912. (G9)