IN light of the prevailing dry season, Chief Fire Officer Marlon Gentle is advising against the indiscriminate burning of garbage and grass, especially in built-up areas with housing,

since property can be damaged, and lives can be put at risk.

He explained that when the weather is dry and persons ignite fires to burn refuse and so forth, the fires are often left unattended and the flames could spread very quickly to utility poles and fences, while smoke can get into homes and affect the elderly and those with asthma.

Gentle said that the Guyana Fire Service is aware that in the dry season it is not wise to try to dispose of garbage by burning and the practice can also be a traffic hazard as well.

He added that they have been working in collaboration with the Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) to have canals and drains cleaned, so they will be able to hold more water and in the event of a fire there would be ample water to douse flames.

Gentle told this newspaper that they have seen an increase in rubbish and grass fires on the East Coast and East Bank Demerara corridors.

He disclosed also that they have received many calls in which fire tenders had to be dispatched to deal with grass and garbage fires, and so he is urging citizens to desist from this practice.

Gentle observed that some persons are in the habit of igniting grass during land-clearing exercises and when the fire gets out of control the GFS is summoned to put out the blaze.

He emphasised that these fires can be avoided if people dispose of their garbage in a better manner by utilising the services of the waste disposal agencies. (Michel Outridge)