– says vendors, motorists should stop blocking hydrants

THE Guyana Fire Service is warning members of the public, motorists, vendors and businesses to keep fire hydrants clear after an inspection along Regent Street, Georgetown, uncovered an alarming number of obstructions around several of the critical emergency water sources.
Ranks from the Fire Hydrant Department conducted routine testing and inspections along the busy commercial corridor on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, as part of efforts to ensure hydrants remain functional, accessible and ready for immediate use during emergencies.
During the exercise, firefighters observed vehicles, garbage, vending activities, construction materials and other objects obstructing access to several hydrants.
The Fire Service said such obstructions could hamper firefighting operations by preventing or delaying firefighters from accessing hydrants when they are most urgently needed.
Regent Street is among Georgetown’s busiest commercial areas, with heavy pedestrian and vehicular activity daily. The Service stressed that regular inspections are therefore necessary to identify problems and ensure that the hydrants remain operational.
The Fire Service is appealing to motorists and other members of the public to desist from parking vehicles in front of or around hydrants and urged vendors and businesses not to conduct activities or place items in ways that restrict access.
The public is also being urged not to dump garbage near hydrants or place construction materials and other objects around them.
The Service warned that any obstruction that prevents firefighters from gaining immediate access to a hydrant can have serious consequences during a fire.
“Every second counts” during a fire emergency, the Fire Service said, noting that delays in accessing water sources could place lives and property at greater risk.
The Service is urging the public to treat fire hydrants as critical emergency infrastructure and ensure they remain clear and accessible at all times.