Wildfires in Santa Mission, Guyana force 38 civilians to evacuate

Santa Mission in Guyana has been engulfed by wildfires forcing the evacuation of 38 civilians from the area as attempts are being made by the Guyana Fire Service to protect civilians and preserve as much of the community as possible.

The Fire Service completed this evacuation on Wednesday, just as the situation worsened significantly and the fire reached a critical point, meaning firefighters could no longer enter the area to put the blaze out.

The following statement was issued by the Fire Service in light of recent developments, “The safety and security of the affected residents remain our top priority. Firefighters, members of the Joint Services and volunteers are working tirelessly to manage the situation and provide necessary support to those impacted by the fire.”

Four of the civilians who have been evacuated by the Guyana Fire Service are being housed by their relatives while the other thirty-four have been given accommodations at the Timehri Primary School.

The situation is tense as numerous wildfires have cropped up all around Guyana, stretching the authorities thin but to this point they have responded with efficiency and skill.

President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali publicly released data gathered by the government which suggests that between the 26th of March and the 2nd of April, the authorities have worked against 2,200 fires, an astounding number.

East Berbice-Corentyne and Mahica-Berbice are the areas in Guyana which have seen the worst of these fires, having had to deal with roughly 1,000 cases since the problem cropped up.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency of Guyana, the fires have been caused by multiple cases of spontaneous combustion with some human involvement as well.

The authorities have asked citizens to remain vigilant and cooperate with them to ensure that the loss of life and property can be limited. The government has assured the populace that the authorities are working around the clock to make sure that they can do everything possible to find a solution to the problem and keep people safe.