Exercise extreme caution as El Niño approaches – GFS urges citizens

See full statement from the Guyana Fire Service:

As Guyana prepares for dry, intense weather conditions brought on by the El Niño period, the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) is calling on all citizens across our ten administrative regions to practice extreme caution. With soaring temperatures and dried-out vegetation, a small spark can rapidly transform into unmanageable grass or structural fire.

Fire prevention starts with you. Follow these critical safety guidelines to protect your family, your property, and our environment:

🚫 1. STOP All Garbage and Grass Burning

• Zero Open Burning: Refrain from burning garbage, dried leaves, or yard waste. Under El Niño conditions, sudden wind gusts can carry embers into dry grass or nearby buildings instantly.
• Farmers’ Alert: Avoid using agricultural burning to clear land. Seek safer alternatives, such as composting or manual clearing, to minimize wildfire risks.

🏡 2. Secure Your Home and Surroundings

• Clear “Fuel” Blocks: Remove dried grass, heaps of wood, and dead bushes from around your yard. Creating a clean buffer zone around your home helps halt the progress of a grass fire.
• Unplug Unused Appliances: High temperatures put a strain on our electrical grid. Prevent electrical fires by unplugging appliances that are not in use and avoid overloading power strips.
• Keep Matches Away from Children: With school out or children spending more time at home, ensure matches and lighters are stored safely out of reach.

🚜 3. Commercial & Industrial Vigilance

• Maintain Firebreaks: Businesses and farms near heavily vegetated areas should establish effective firebreaks (clear strips of land with no vegetation) to protect properties from approaching bushfires.
• Check Equipment: Ensure all heavy machinery and vehicles are well-maintained to prevent exhaust sparks from igniting parched grass.

📞 IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

• Fire Service Hotline: 912
• Emergency Medical Services (EMS): 912 / 226-2411

Let’s work together as One Guyana to prevent fires and save lives during this dry season.