By Shawnette Fiedkou
The prompt response of the Guyana Fire Service Linden team played a crucial role in containing a bush fire, averting potential damage to the Speightland community.
According to reports from the Speightland area, what started as a small fire intended to deter a nest of army ants on Tuesday afternoon quickly escalated and spread to a large bamboo bush nearby.
Despite residents’ efforts to control the blaze, it continued to grow out of control.
Upon receiving the call for assistance at approximately 19:02 hours, the Linden fire station swiftly dispatched fire bowser 12 to the scene.
Sub-officer Fenton Drepaul Saul revealed that the bowser had to be refilled twice at the BOSAI hydrant to combat the fire effectively, as the hydrants in the area had low pressure at the time.
Remarkably, the fire service team managed to simultaneously address another fire of similar nature in Amelia’s Ward.
In response to these incidents, the Guyana Fire Service issued a wildfire advisory late Wednesday, urging citizens to prepare evacuation plans with multiple escape routes and to keep important documents and belongings readily accessible in case of emergency.
The advisory also emphasized the importance of avoiding outdoor burning of garbage or grass, especially during the dry season, as such fires can rapidly spread. Citizens were reminded never to leave fires unattended.
Thanks to the swift action of the Guyana Fire Service team, the Speightland community was spared from significant damage, highlighting the critical role of timely response in preventing disasters.