Senior fire officer warns: Stop setting fire to old buildings to avoid demolition costs

Divisional Fire Officer Clive McDonald

Divisional Fire Officer Clive McDonald on Wednesday warned residents about a rise in fires involving unoccupied and dilapidated buildings in East Berbice-Corentyne, stating that most incidents appear to be deliberate.

The Guyana Fire Service has responded to 11 fires this year involving privately owned abandoned structures in the New Amsterdam and Canje areas.

“Person or persons maliciously set fire to these structures. We are working in collaboration with the relevant authorities, including the police, to bring those responsible to justice. It is a criminal offence,” McDonald said during a media briefing, urging citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.

According to the Divisional Fire Officer, in some cases individuals may set fire to properties to avoid demolition costs.
“There were two instances where persons set fire to buildings for their own purposes because they did not want to pay a contractor to demolish them. But we know these acts are malicious, and investigations have confirmed that,” he added.

The most recent incident occurred early Wednesday in the Winkle area of New Amsterdam, where an unoccupied building was destroyed. Authorities suspect arson, with two nearby abandoned structures raising further concern.

McDonald appealed to residents, particularly those living near neglected properties, to report unusual activity.
“If you see anything suspicious, call the Fire Service or the Guyana Police Force, especially if you live near these unoccupied buildings and structures,” he said.

The Fire Service has also recorded a seasonal increase in grass fires due to dry conditions, prompting warnings to residents to exercise caution when burning vegetation or rubbish.

So far this year, the agency has responded to 161 fire-related incidents across Regions Five and Six, including structural, grass, rubbish, and electrical fires.

Authorities confirmed they are continuing to work with the police to identify and apprehend those responsible, amid growing concerns over public safety and property damage.