GFS reports sharp rise in fires from August to October; 3 dead

The Guyana Fire Service (GFS) recorded a significant increase in fire incidents between August and October 2026, with three fatalities, several injuries and numerous persons left homeless as fires destroyed or damaged homes, businesses and other properties across the country.

According to figures released by the GFS, 326 fires were recorded in August, compared with 169 during the corresponding month in 2025. In September, the number climbed to 582, up from 300 during the same period last year.
For October, the Fire Service reported responding to 942 fire calls, with three deaths and two injuries recorded during the month. During August and September, the GFS recorded 910 fire-related emergency calls. Of these, 62 residential properties were affected, including 25 that were completely destroyed, two severely damaged and 35 that sustained slight damage. Commercial properties were also affected, with three businesses completely destroyed, one severely damaged and 10 slightly damaged. The figures further showed that one Government building was completely destroyed, another severely damaged and a third sustained slight damage. One church also sustained slight damage. The fires left 98 persons homeless, while nine people were injured. No fatalities were recorded during August and September. Grass fires accounted for the largest category of incidents during those two months, with 506 reported. The GFS also recorded 173 rubbish fires and one forest fire in McKenzie.
Malicious intent was identified as the main cause of fires during the period. Electrical faults were also responsible for several incidents, with 52 attributed to external electrical faults and 18 to internal electrical faults.

Two major fires required additional firefighters and emergency resources. These involved Regent Household Plus and a children’s home at Plum Park, Sophia.
Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) recorded the highest number of fire incidents during August and September. The situation continued into October, when the GFS responded to 942 fire calls. During that month, 31 properties, including private properties, vehicles and generators, were completely destroyed, while another 37 sustained minor damage.
The October figures included 88 residential fires, 17 electrical fires, 801 outdoor fires and two fires involving vessels. Three persons died and two were injured.
The Fire Service has expressed concern over the increase in fires, particularly grass fires, many of which are linked to persons burning vegetation and leaving the fires unattended. Divisional Fire Officer Clive McDonald, whose division covers Regions Five and Six, told the Guyana Times on Saturday that firefighters have been responding to numerous grass fires, with hot and dry conditions adding to the challenges.
He explained that some fires originate on agricultural lands, particularly rice fields, where farmers burn vegetation in preparation for cultivation. However, the flames sometimes spread beyond the intended areas, affecting neighbouring fields and threatening nearby communities.
McDonald noted that what residents commonly describe as wildfires are often grass fires that have spread across open lands. While some occur in remote areas and pose little immediate danger to life or property, others spread towards populated communities, requiring firefighters to intervene.
He also warned that smoke from burning vegetation can create dangerous conditions for motorists when it drifts across public roads and reduces visibility.
According to McDonald, some grass fires have threatened buildings, including schools along the Corentyne Coast. However, firefighters were able to intervene and prevent the flames from spreading to those structures.
He urged residents to exercise greater responsibility when burning vegetation, warning that fires can quickly spread beyond their intended boundaries and endanger surrounding areas. The Fire Officer also explained that firefighters sometimes use specialised techniques, including counter-firing, to contain fires in open areas. However, he cautioned members of the public against attempting the method, noting that it requires professional knowledge of wind direction and fire behaviour.
In response to the increase in incidents, the GFS said it has taken several measures to improve fire prevention and response. These include increasing public fire safety education, constructing additional fire stations across the country and rolling out an auxiliary firefighting programme in hinterland communities.
The Service is urging citizens to make fire safety part of their everyday lives, stressing that fire prevention measures must be incorporated into daily activities.

Source: Guyana Times