The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has warned Guyanese to exercise increased caution as elevated temperatures and potentially drier environmental conditions heighten the risk of bushfires and vegetation fires across the country.
In a public advisory issued on November 6, the EPA said the conditions may be influenced by climate patterns associated with El Niño, which can contribute to above-average temperatures, reduced rainfall and drier vegetation, creating an environment more favourable for fires to ignite and spread.
The agency explained that prolonged heat and reduced rainfall can leave grasslands, forests and agricultural areas particularly vulnerable, increasing the likelihood that fires could spread rapidly once started.
Residents have therefore been urged to avoid open burning, especially during periods of high temperatures and dry weather, and to dispose of cigarettes and other flammable materials responsibly.
The EPA also advised households and property owners to clear their surroundings of dry leaves, grass and other combustible materials, while reporting suspected fires promptly to the relevant emergency authorities.
The warning comes as climate forecasts indicate that El Niño conditions are expected to persist into early 2027, although gradual weakening is possible during the first half of the year.
The EPA said it would continue monitoring environmental conditions and satellite-detected heat anomalies, with further updates to be issued as necessary.
The agency is also encouraging members of the public to assist in monitoring fire activity by reporting bushfires through its WhatsApp contacts, +592-632-4614 and +592-743-2441.
Reports should include the location of the fire, identifying the community, region, nearby landmark or a location pin, along with the date and time observed. Residents are also encouraged to provide a brief description and photographs or videos, provided these can be captured safely.
According to the EPA, public reports will assist the agency in verifying incidents, monitoring fire activity and coordinating follow-up with the relevant authorities.
However, the agency cautioned residents against putting themselves at risk to obtain evidence.
“Never approach a fire or enter smoke to obtain evidence.”
Where a fire threatens lives or property, residents are urged to contact the Guyana Fire Service immediately rather than attempting to confront the blaze themselves.
The EPA’s advisory highlights the potential environmental and public safety consequences of vegetation fires, which can threaten homes, agricultural lands, forests and wildlife, while exposing nearby communities to smoke.
The agency reminded the public that preventing fires requires collective responsibility, urging residents to remain vigilant and take precautionary measures to protect lives, property and the environment.
