The Guyana Fire Service (GFS) is reminding persons that the burning of garbage and/or grass openly is prohibited and those found culpable can be subject to pay a fine of no less than $80,000 or three months in jail.
The warning comes in light of a recent “upsurge” of these incidents and one day after a man lost his life after a rubbish fire next door spread to his house.
“If grass or garbage fires do occur, they should never be left unattended as they possess the potential to become major fire emergencies,” the GFS said on Thursday.
In fact, the Fire Service is reminding persons desirous of using this method for land clearing or any other purpose that they are required to seek permission from the fire department.
In a press release issued on Thursday, the GFS provided some tips to be followed to control and prevent grass and garbage fires.
They are:
– Desist from openly burning grass and garbage. Find other means of disposal and/or land clearing.
– Never leave a grass or garbage fire unattended, these fires can quickly get out of hand and spread rapidly.
– Report large grass and garbage fires to the fire department.
– Do not throw cigarette or cigar butts on the ground or out of a vehicle. Dispose of them properly and make sure they are completely extinguished.
– Be mindful of parking vehicles on dry grass or shrubs. Exhaust systems on vehicles can reach a temperature of more than 1000 degrees and it only takes about 500 degrees to start a fire during the dry season.
– Parents should emphasize to their children the dangers of playing with fire as some grass fires are started by children who have no idea how quickly flames can grow and spread.
– Keep a shovel, bucket of water, fire extinguisher, or other fire suppression tools on hand. These will be useful in the event of a fire.
