Guyana Fire Service steps up El Niño fire preparedness and bans open burning

The Guyana Fire Service is intensifying preparations for the upcoming El Niño dry season, focusing on reducing bush and grass fire risk. Chief Fire Officer Gregory Wickham said the service has expanded public education campaigns, especially in hinterland and Indigenous communities where slash‑and‑burn farming is common, urging residents to adopt safer land‑clearing methods. Equipment upgrades include new pickup‑type fire appliances, pumps, breathing apparatus, fire kits and PPE for firefighters.

The agency issued a nationwide warning against burning garbage, dried leaves or yard waste, stressing that a single spark could spark fast‑moving fires. Residents are advised to clear vegetation around homes, create firebreaks and keep matches out of children’s reach. The fire service also called on farmers to avoid open burning for land preparation, promoting manual clearing or composting as alternatives.