FIREFIGHTERS in Santa Mission, Region Three, continue to work tirelessly to extinguish flames that have overtaken the area, endangering both communities and ecosystems.
The Guyana Fire Service (GFS) issued a press statement on Saturday providing an update on its efforts to extinguish the inferno.

Despite facing daunting challenges, including rugged terrain and limited communication, the GFS said that firefighters remain undeterred in their mission to contain and extinguish the blazes.
Returning to Santa Mission on Friday, firefighting teams were met with a scene shrouded in thick smoke, a stark reminder of the intensity of the wildfires.

The excessive heat emanating from the earth sporadically ignited dry vegetation, fueling the flames and exacerbating the situation, the statement added.
Navigating through the rugged terrain proved to be a formidable task for firefighters, hindering their access to certain areas where the fires raged most fiercely.

                                                          Wildfires in Santa Mission have been contained

“Undeterred by the challenging conditions, our team bravely entered the heart of the smoke to combat the fires using all available resources until the end of the day’s operations.
The current overcast and cooler weather, along with minor rain showers, have alleviated the situation somewhat, but risks still remain relatively high.”

Despite the challenges posed by the dense location, the GFS assured that firefighting teams will persist in their daily travels to assess the situation and conduct firefighting efforts.

However, the density of the location hampers proper communication between firefighting teams and the Fire Service headquarters, necessitating innovative solutions to ensure timely updates and coordination.

The Fire Service has responded to numerous grass and wildfires in recent weeks, underscoring the urgent need for heightened vigilance and adherence to fire safety measures. Citizens are urged to refrain from lighting fires during this time, as Guyana braces for at least another month of the El Niño (dry season) phenomenon, which exacerbates the risk of wildfires.

Citizens are reminded to report all fires promptly by dialing 912, thereby facilitating swift response and containment efforts. According to GFS, by adhering to advisories, preventing fires, and practicing fire safety, citizens can play a crucial role in supporting firefighting efforts and mitigating the impact of wildfires in Santa Mission and beyond.

Residents are also advised to make reports to their local fire station, Regional Democratic Council representative or office, or the National Emergency Monitoring System (NEMS) on 600-7500 at any time. The situation in Santa Mission prompted the urgent evacuation of over 250 residents in the early hours of Thursday. While many of them are currently residing at the Timehri Primary School, some have chosen to live with family members on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway and in Linden.