Fires in Mahdia and Soesdyke Leave Six Homeless; Fire Service Warns of Increased Wildfire Risk

According to the Guyana Times, the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) is urging the public to take increased precautions against fires because of ongoing prolonged dry conditions. These warnings come after separate fires occurred in Mahdia, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), and Soesdyke, Timehri, Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), leading to six people being left without homes and another building being destroyed.

In Central Mahdia, Region Eight, a firefighting crew from the Mahdia Fire Station responded to a fire at Desert Storm Street. Firefighters found a wooden single-flat, six-apartment building engulfed in flames, though they managed to stop the fire from spreading to adjacent structures. Six individuals were left homeless as a consequence of this fire, and investigations into the matter are currently underway.

Concurrently, firefighters from the Timehri Fire Station attended a fire on Ivan Road in Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara (EBD). A separate firefighting crew was sent to the location, and although the fire was put out, the building and all its contents were destroyed. Investigations are ongoing to ascertain the cause of the fire at that location.

Station Officer Rovin Thomas of the Fire Service expressed concern over the rise in grass and wildfires during the current dry spell. National fire data indicated that grass and wildfires increased from 150 occurrences in September 2025 to 355 in September 2026, which constitutes a 136 per cent increase. Thomas stated that prolonged dry conditions, lower rainfall, higher temperatures, and water shortages can elevate the frequency of grass and wildfires, potentially impacting schools, roadways, and communities with smoke and haze.

He noted that fires, which were historically more prevalent in rural areas, are now also happening in urban housing developments. Some of these fires were attributed to activities such as burning builder’s waste, cut-and-clear operations, and the indiscriminate burning of dry vegetation and rubbish. The Fire Service is advising residents to maintain yards and surrounding areas free from dry grass, leaves, and other combustible materials, and to establish fire breaks around homes, farms, and essential infrastructure. Residents are also being encouraged to avoid burning leaves, rubbish, and vegetation, to use water judiciously, to fix any leaking pipes or taps, and to report damaged hydrants or pipelines to the appropriate authorities. Furthermore, the public is advised to stay hydrated, limit strenuous activities during the hottest parts of the day, keep up with weather alerts and fire notifications, and remain vigilant about wildfire risks in their communities. Anyone who observes smoke or a suspicious fire is urged to contact the Fire Service immediately at 912.