In response to the overwhelming number of wildfires, the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) convened a multi-agency conference on Saturday, led by Guyana’s Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips. The Guyana Fire Service has responded to many wildfires in areas such as Liliendaal and Lethem in the previous week, including one last Thursday.
This meeting yielded various suggestions, demonstrating the importance of key parties joining forces to control wildfires. To help with firefighting in isolated locations like Hururu and Bisaruni, skidders will be used to establish fire breaks. The Ministry of Natural Resources, the CDC, and the Forestry Commission will work together on this program with the loggers in these areas.
Every region’s Community Policing Groups (CPGs) will provide extra assistance and support the Guyana Fire Service’s firefighting efforts by supplying alternative firefighting equipment including tractors and trailers fitted with hoses, tanks and pumps.
According to the CDC, drones, satellite data and local aircraft will be utilized by CPGs, GPF, and Rangers to boost surveillance. Individuals who intentionally start fires in high-risk locations will face serious consequences and water sources around the country will be regularly monitored to ensure an adequate supply for firefighting operations.
This meeting brought together representatives from the Guyana Fire Service (GFS), Guyana Police Force (GPF), Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Guyana Water Inc. (GWI), Guyana Livestock Development Agency (GLDA), National Agricultural Research Institute (NAREI), Protected Areas Commission (PAC), Ministry of Health, Ministry of Housing and Water, and Forestry Commission.
The CDC and the other represented agencies will work astutely in a comprehensive and cooperative public education and awareness campaign to regularly inform communities of what they can do to help combat wildfires.