Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips has declared the ongoing industrial fire at the Waaldijk Sawmill in Amelia’s Ward, Linden, a Regional Level Disaster.
The fire, which started over a week ago due to combustible material, has sparked health and environmental safety concerns for residents in the area.
The Civil Defence Commission (CDC) continues to actively monitor the situation and has indicated that, despite its full support in the firefighting efforts by the Guyana Fire Service, the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Region 10 Democratic Council, and other supporting agencies – including the operators in the area – the fire continues to emit thick smoke and dust, thereby affecting nearby communities.
The Prime Minister, Public Infrastructure Minister Juan Edghill, representatives from the CDC, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) visited the affected area earlier in the week to gain a first-hand understanding of the situation.
Prime Minister Phillips, while speaking on a community radio station in Linden, noted that although the fire has been mostly contained, additional efforts are required to prevent further spread and reduce the level of smoke in the area. He formally declared a Regional Disaster due to the significant environmental, social, and economic impacts the fire has had on the region thus far.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the CDC noted that environmental assessments and resident interviews conducted by emergency response teams have revealed significant public health and environmental safety concerns, as well as property damage.
“The CDC is continuing to coordinate with all relevant agencies and stakeholders to manage the response,” the statement read.
“The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has confirmed that the average level of carbon dioxide (CO₂) concentration in residential areas is approximately 2.5 parts per million (ppm), well below the national standard threshold of 20 ppm. While these readings remain within the safe range according to national air quality standards, the persistent smoke and particulate matter may still pose risks to vulnerable individuals,” it continued.
The CDC urges residents in affected areas to report any new symptoms or concerns to the local emergency services and to limit outdoor exposure where possible.
The Commission further noted that affected residents who wish to be evacuated can be accommodated in temporary shelters managed by the agency.
“Please also be advised that the area is restricted to public access and should be avoided unless you are emergency response personnel,” the CDC advised.
It added that, in an effort to mitigate future incidents, an alternate dumpsite is currently being considered.
Smoke from the fire has affected air quality in surrounding areas
