Fire Chief Marlon Gentle is calling on the public to assist the Guyana Fire Service in their attempts to prevent fires in the extreme dry weather currently being experienced.
Speaking with Stabroek News yesterday, Gentle said, “Even though persons may want to take advantage of this dry season to clear their lands they must be aware of the dangers posed by bush fires.”
At the time the Fire Chief was speaking to Stabroek News around 1 pm, there were three bush fires burning in different areas. One fire had just been contained at Coldigen and another was still burning at Carlton Hall. The Carlton Hall fire was particularly concerning, he said, because of its proximity to a school.
He urged persons to desist from burning cuttings and other materials and to be cognizant of the effect of fires on property and the environment.
“These fires are obscuring traffic, damaging culverts and bridges as well as lantern posts and other GPL installations and especially the environment and the health of persons in the vicinity who may suffer from respiratory problems such as asthma,” he explained.
Gentle stressed that fire prevention is not just the responsibility of the Fire Service.
“The public also have to be involved and play a role in guaranteeing their own safety,” he said.
