The Guyana Fire Service (GFS) last night said that it is currently engaged in combating several wildfires across the country.
In a statement, it said that firefighters from the West Ruimveldt and Eccles fire stations have successfully contained a large wildfire in Caledonia, East Bank Demerara.
However, there are several new active wildfires reported at Coverden and Heroes Highway on the East Bank of Demerara, as well as at Port Mourant, East Berbice-Corentyne, and Lovely Lass Village, West Coast Berbice. Firefighters are actively responding to all of these incidents.
Additionally, an active wildfire is occurring in Linden, behind Alya Constructora Company on Mabura road. Unfortunately, the statement said that firefighters are unable to access the fire, so they will continue to monitor the situation and remain on standby as a precautionary measure.
Citizens in these areas should anticipate excessive smoke in the atmosphere. They are advised to keep doors and windows closed and to avoid outdoor activities.
Furthermore, citizens are urged to refrain from lighting fires during the current dry season, as these fires can quickly spread and pose significant hazards.
Any fires or excessive smoke should be reported to the Fire Service via 912.
Earlier in the day, the GFS said that a specialized team from the Joint Services embarked on a reconnaissance mission to assess the locations of wildfires affecting Regions 3 and 4.
Departing via Skyvan aircraft at approximately 7:05 a.m., the team was composed of Deputy Chief Fire Officer Scotland, Senior Police Superintendents Wray and Kingston, Major Ryan Briglall, Deputy Superintendent Wayne De Harte, and pilots Lt Col Ramjag and Major Layne.
The primary objective of the mission was to conduct an aerial assessment of a significant wildfire ongoing within the Santa Mission/Arrow Point area.
This particular fire, situated approximately 3 miles north of Santa Mission and 3 miles from Timehri, was pinpointed, spanning approximately 2 kilometers in length, and was observed to be running from north to west, the GFS said.
In addition, the reconnaissance team also observed several small pockets of active fires in various areas, including La Bonne Intention, Buxton, Perseverance, and a large fire at Friendship.
The team successfully completed their mission, returning at approximately 07:45 hours, having gathered crucial data, the GFS said.
A team of firefighters along with additional equipment has been dispatched to the Santa Mission/Arrow Point area to assist in firefighting operations as well as provide relief to firefighters and volunteers currently battling the fire.
Other major fires that were ongoing at the back of Mocha and at Houston, affecting residents on the East Bank of Demerara, have been extinguished.
