In the wake of 38 people being evacuated from Santa Mission/Santa-Aratak and neighbouring communities yesterday morning as a wildfire escalated to a point where firefighters were unable to access the affected areas in order to extinguish it, citizens around the country are urged to be vigilant.
Fire Chief Gregory Wickham told Stabroek News that a large portion of vegetation was on fire. While it was still far away from the houses, residents were being affected by the thick smoke emanating from the area.
By last evening, the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) said, the fire was mostly contained with pockets of fire in the origin area. While the immediate threat was removed, the GFS said, owing to the pockets and ongoing smoke emissions, there was a 90% chance of re-ignition overnight, especially with heavy winds.
“As a precaution, the area has been thoroughly soaked, and the village leader (Toshao) along with a few villagers are monitoring closely,” the release said.
Earlier yesterday, the fire service had said that the dense smoke emanating from the fire had prompted the evacuation of 38 individuals from Santa Mission and the neighbouring village. The evacuation was done by the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) as part of a Joint Services effort around 02:50 hrs yesterday, the GDF had said. The GFS said that 34 people were transported to a temporary shelter at the Timehri Primary School, while the remaining four were offered accommodation by their relatives.
The GFS worked to create barriers with the use of water around the communities in an effort to contain the fire and prevent it spreading. Firefighters were forced to use boats to go across a river to access the affected areas.
Emergency Medical Technicians and an ambulance were dispatched to the area to monitor the residents that were evacuated and assist in transporting anyone who required further medical attention, it added. In addition, the Joint Services are closely monitoring the area.
The GFS pledged that the safety and security of the affected residents remain the priority.
Firefighters, members of the Joint Services and volunteers are working to manage the situation and provide necessary support to those impacted by the fire.
The Timehri shelter is being managed by trained Civil Defence Commission (CDC) staff, a CDC release said earlier. Several other areas are being monitored closely, and, if necessary, additional shelters will be established, it added.
The Environmental Protection Agency is also part of the response effort.
Residents countrywide are encouraged to remain cautious and report any instances of wildfires to 912, their local fire station, Regional Democratic Council representative or office, or the National Emergency Monitoring System on 600-7500 at any time.
Meantime, the GFS disclosed that firefighters from the Eccles Fire Station were last evening on scene at Garden of Eden, East Bank Demerara where a truck was on fire. The fire was brought under control using water tender #115.
According to the fire service the vehicle involved was a yellow Canter truck bearing registration number GRR1823. The fire started in the cabin as the truck was proceeding to Land of Canaan, East Bank Demerara. It was stated that the truck was completely destroyed along with a quantity of LPG gas cylinders. The fire was contained and police were on the scene.
