The Ministry of Home Affairs today said that the Guyana Fire Service is actively combatting multiple grass fires throughout the country, which are causing poor visibility due to a combination of ground fog and smoke.
In a statement, the ministry said that affected areas include the East Bank (Heroes Highway) to Timehri, the Linden-Soesdyke Highway, the West Bank area, and parts of Georgetown.
“The Ministry of Home Affairs urges all road users to exercise extreme caution during this period. Motorists are advised to reduce speed and utilize high and low beams or hazard lights as appropriate.
These fires, stemming from spontaneous combustion, human-induced land clearing, and waste destruction, have prompted urgent calls for citizens, particularly land developers, contractors, and farmers, to cease burning garbage and other waste materials.
“As the dry season (continues), the risk of fires escalating quickly and becoming uncontrollable heightens. Forecasts indicate the dry spell will persist until the end of April, so citizens are urged to take all necessary precautions to prevent fire outbreaks”, the ministry said
Citizens are strongly advised to take preventive measures to safeguard their health due to associated health safety risks from smoke inhalation. For their safety and well-being, the following precautions are recommended:
– Stay indoors: Keep windows and doors closed to minimize exposure to smoke.
– Wear a face mask: Utilize dust masks where feasible.
– Limit outdoor activities: If outdoor excursions are unavoidable, wear a mask.
– Use air filtration: Employ air conditioning to filter indoor air.
– Stay informed: Stay updated with the latest information and advisories from the Fire Service and EPA.
– Consider alternate routes: Explore alternative routes to avoid smoke-affected areas and roadways during travel.
– Drive cautiously: Exercise extreme caution due to reduced visibility caused by smoke when driving through affected areas. Utilize hazard lights or high beams and remain vigilant for other vehicles and pedestrians.
– Protect vulnerable groups: Take additional precautions to safeguard susceptible individuals, including children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions.
In the event of a fire or to report excessive smoke, contact 912.