By Nakasia Logan
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Guyana Fire Service have jointly issued public advisories regarding the surge in wildfires across several regions of Guyana.
Citizens across various regions, including the east bank and the West Bank and Coast, woke up to thick smoke engulfing their communities, resulting in significantly reduced visibility.
In some areas, visibility dropped to zero, leading to disruptions in daily activities and travel.
Images and videos shared on social media by residents depicted the extent of the smoke haze, highlighting the severity of the situation.
In response to the hazardous conditions, the Guyana Fire Service issued an advisory urging residents in affected areas to take precautionary measures.
These include staying indoors with windows and doors closed, limiting outdoor activities, using air conditioning for air filtration, planning alternate routes to avoid smoke-filled areas, and driving cautiously to ensure road safety.
The Service also cautioned against deliberate fires in the vicinity, emphasizing the risks posed by such actions.
Sheldon Sauns, the Fire Prevention Officer of the Guyana Fire Service, reiterated the importance of fire safety during the dry season, which is characterized by elevated temperatures.
He advised against burning garbage or vegetation and urged residents to dispose of waste appropriately through garbage disposal services.
Residents were further encouraged to report wildfires or grass fires that are getting out of control to the Guyana Fire Service promptly.
The EPA reported fires across multiple regions, attributing them to a combination of spontaneous combustion and potential human activities. Investigations into the cause of these fires are underway.
As the situation unfolds, individuals are urged to stay informed and adhere to guidelines provided by authorities for their safety and well-being.