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.