The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a public notice yesterday warning that its sensors are reporting that the air quality in regions Three and Four is in the “unhealthy” range which is based on the World Health Organization Standards for Good Air Quality.
The EPA’s release also noted that its sensors at Eccles, East Bank Demerara, and Sophia, Georgetown, currently show much higher concentrations than that which was recorded on March 25.
In light of the aforementioned data, the EPA is encouraging the public to take precautionary measures to protect their health by limiting the time spent outdoors and to wear dust masks where practicable.
The notice also informed that during the period March 19 to 26, a heat signa-ture comparison revealed a substantial increase in heat signatures along the low coastal plain of Guyana. Visibility has been and continues to be affected by smoke from active fires in regions Three and Four.
Further, the current conditions of little to no rainfall, are more conducive to spontaneous combustion which may lead to wildfires. It is also more likely in these conditions, that careless or deliberate human actions may lead to wildfires.
The EPA noted that with the increase in reports and coverage of wildfires by the media, it is evident that there is a lack of knowledge of the Agency’s role regarding fires. Consequently, it feels it must inform the public that it does not have the “authority, mandate nor capacity” to investigate or fight wildfires.
That said, it stated that the relevant authority to manage wildfires and fires generally, is the Guyana Fire Service, and as such, the EPA strongly encourages all public-spirited citizens to promptly report fires and urged the general public to continue to cooperate with any other authority to ascertain the source of wildfires.
And in keeping with its mandate, the EPA monitors air quality and when read-ings are outside of the normal range, it will notify the public to take precautions.
The EPA assures that it remains committed to the protection of the public through effective management of the environment to protect and conserve its natural resources, the release added.
Earlier yesterday, the EPA said that there were fires within regions 1,2,3,4,5,6,7 and 9.
It said that the fires were caused by a mixture of spontaneous combustion and possibly human-induced.
The general public was also advised to report any sighting of fires to the Guyana Fire Service or the Civil Defence Commission and adhere to any advisory issued by local authorities.
For additional information or assistance members of the public can contact the:
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA):
226-5467, 225-5471-2
Civil Defence Commission (CDC):
600-7500, 226-1114-7 OR
Guyana Fire Service: 226-2411-14, 623-5853
In a statement yesterday, the Guyana Fire Service said that there was a significant smoke hazard on the East Bank Demerara due to deliberate fires in the area.
The smoke caused poor visibility and air quality concerns, posing risks to health and safety.
Among other things, it urged residents to:
● Plan alternate routes: If you must travel, consider alternative routes to avoid smoke-clogged areas and roadways.
● Drive cautiously: If driving through affected areas, exercise extreme caution due to reduced visibility caused by smoke.
● Drivers are also encouraged to use hazard lights or high-beam and to look out for trucks and pedestrians.
● Protect vulnerable groups: Take extra precautions to protect vulnerable individuals, such as children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions.
“Firefighters are working tirelessly to contain and extinguish the fires, but they are facing challenges such as limited access to the area and resources”, the release added.
