Wildfires threaten Rupununi homes

Farmer Mario Edwards standing in front of the destroyed structure he once called home.

Wildfires have destroyed at least three buildings including a home in the Rupununi and with the current dry season, such occurrences continue to be a threat, Chairman of Region Nine (Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo) Brian Allicock says.

The official confirmed to Stabroek News yesterday that there were three reported cases of fire gutting the properties of residents. He said that they have recorded forest fires in the mountains but most of the wildfires in the region are as a result of villagers lighting fires and not monitoring them.

“It is a serious issue here in the region but we have been talking to villagers to desist from lighting fires and not monitor it. We have to be very careful because of the weather condition we are having,” Allicock stressed.