The Guyana Fire Service recorded 393 fires in Regions Five and Six between January and October 2026, an increase of 22 compared with the corresponding period last year, prompting renewed calls for residents to avoid unsafe burning practices.
Divisional Officer Clive Mc Donald of B Division said grass fires remained a major concern, particularly in areas where dry vegetation allows flames to spread quickly and threaten nearby homes and properties.

He urged residents to stop setting fires to clear land or burn rubbish, warning that unattended fires could quickly spread beyond control.
“I am calling on citizens of the division to desist from setting fires,” Mc Donald said.

He identified Belladrum, No. 11 Village, Rising Sun, Onderneeming, Proffit, Canje/Palmyra, Budhan Scheme, Chesney/Gibraltar, Bloomfield, Hampshire, Brighton/Alness, Nos. 47–48 Villages, Nos. 50–61 Villages and Line Path, Corentyne, among areas where fires occur frequently.
Mc Donald also reported that 71 unoccupied houses had been affected by fires believed to have been deliberately set by unidentified persons. He said these incidents were referred to the Guyana Police Force for investigation.

The Fire Service is urging residents to arrange regular checks on vacant properties, report suspicious activity and alert emergency services promptly when fires occur.
Mc Donald said community vigilance and responsible behaviour were essential to protecting lives and property as the division continued responding to fire incidents.