THE Guyana Fire Service (GFS) said on Thursday that it has noticed an upsurge in grass and garbage fires and is therefore advising residents to be aware of the risks and to refrain from openly burning heaps of garbage or grass.

In a press release, the Fire Service noted that one person lost his life when an unmanaged rubbish fire spread to a nearby building.

“If grass or garbage fires do occur, they should never be left unattended as they possess the potential to become major fire emergencies,” the Fire Service warned.

It was explained that persons desirous of using fire as a method of land clearing or for any other purpose must obtain permission from the Guyana Fire Service before proceeding further.

Additionally, citizens should note that the open burning of garbage is “prohibited” and perpetrators can find themselves paying no less than $80,000 or spending three months in prison for the offence.

To help prevent and control grass and garbage fires, GFS listed the following tips:

-Desist from openly burning grass and garbage. Find other means of disposal and/or land clearing.

– Never leave a grass or garbage fire unattended, these fires can quickly get out of hand and spread rapidly.

– Report large grass and garbage fires to the fire department.

– Do not throw cigarette or cigar butts on the ground or out of a vehicle. Dispose of them properly and make sure they are completely extinguished.

– Be mindful of parking vehicles on dry grass or shrubs. Exhaust systems on vehicles can reach a temperature of more than 1000 degrees and it takes only about 500 degrees to start a fire during the dry season.

– Parents should emphasize to their children the dangers of playing with fire as some grass fires are started by children who have no idea how quickly flames can grow and spread.

– Keep a shovel, bucket of water, fire extinguisher, or other fire-suppression tools on hand. These will be useful in the event of a fire.