The current dry spell that the nation is experiencing is resulting in wildfires in Region Nine, with the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), in conjunction with the Guyana Fire Service (GFS); Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); Protected Areas Commission (PAC); and Regional Authorities, working to quell these fires in sections of the region, a CDC release reported on Tuesday.
The release disclosed that some two weeks ago, the Prime Minister had instructed CDC to coordinate a response mission to aid impacted villages as they combat the blazes. This mission, it explained, is a collaborative effort which includes the support of several government agencies.
The CDC informed that several communities in the Rupununi area have been hit by these wildfires, and although there is significant structural damage, there has been no loss of life as a result. Most recently, Kumu and Moco Moco in the Region Nine area have been affected.
Further, a team comprising members from CDC, the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Reserves, the GFS and villagers of Kumu responded to a massive wildfire which was spreading closer to the workers’ site of the Kumu Hydro Installation on Monday March 11. The villagers commenced firefighting using the village tractor affixed with a 450-gallon water tank, a water pump, hoses and buckets. The GFS joined subsequently while quelling the blaze at strategic points, thus controlling the spread. The operation lasted about eight hours. According to the CDC release, fire and smoke continue to rage along the Kanuku Mountains, in small parts of Lethem and several other areas. Villages affected by smoke from the Kanuku Mountains in Central Rupununi are Nappi, Hiawa, Parishara, Moco Moco, Kumu, Quarrie, and St. Ignatius. Villages affected in South Central are Sand Creek, Rupunau, Katoonarib, Sawariwau, and Shiriri, and those affected in South Pakaraimas are Karasabai, Tiger Pond, Tipuru, Rukumuta and Yurong Paru. Villages affected in the North are Annai, Aranaputa, Toka, Wowetta, Crash Water, Surama and Kwatamang.
The CDC also noted that heavy rainfall on March 7 aided in quenching the scorched earth of the Rupununi, but that aid was short-lived. Several villages have received firefighting gear and other relief items as the crisis continues, while auxiliary firefighters have been activated to lend support to the Region Nine Fire Service Station. As such, the Commission along with other agencies, will maintain a presence in the Rupununi as the situation unfolds.
In Region Six, there have been reports of smoke emanating from neighbouring Suriname, as they too are experiencing similar wildfire circumstances. Schedules for school have been altered and residents there continue to remain vigilant.
The release assures that the Government of Guyana through various agencies is committed to managing and eventually eliminating the threat that these wildfires pose. It advises that if you or someone you know is impacted by fire or smoke during the dry season, no not hesitate to call 912 or your local fire station, the police, Village Leader or Toshao, Regional Democratic Council Office, or the National Emergency Monitoring System on 600-7500 which operates 24/7.
