By Kristin Josiah
A team from the Guyana Fire Service returned to Santa Mission on Friday to continue firefighting operations.
Upon arrival, they encountered thick smoke enveloping the area, indicating the severity of the situation.
Firefighters faced challenges as the excessive heat from the earth sporadically ignited dry vegetation.
The rugged terrain added further complexity, hindering access to certain parts of the affected area.
Despite these obstacles, the dedicated team bravely entered the heart of the smoke to combat the fires, utilizing all available resources until the end of the day’s operations.
While the current overcast and cooler weather, coupled with minor rain showers, have provided some relief, risks remain relatively high.
Fire Service teams continue to assess the wildfire and conduct firefighting efforts on a daily basis.
However, communication between the team and Fire Service headquarters is hindered by the dense location, making immediate updates challenging.
The Guyana Fire Service has responded to hundreds of grass and wildfires in recent months.
Citizens are urged to refrain from lighting fires during this time, as Guyana is expected to endure at least another month of the El Niño phenomenon (dry season), which heightens the risk of wildfires.