Grass and rubbish fires drive 21.41% increase in fire incidents across Demerara

(Kaieteur News) – Fire incidents across Georgetown, the East Coast and East Bank of Demerara have increased significantly in 2026, with the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) recording 930 fires between January and October, compared to 766 during the corresponding period last year.

In a press release the GFS said, the figures represent a 21.41 per cent increase, driven largely by grass and rubbish fires, many of which are linked to deliberate burning for waste disposal and land clearing. Divisional Officer Otis Charles, who is in charge of Operations at the GFS, said grass and rubbish fires alone increased by 39.88 per cent, rising from 341 incidents in 2025 to 477 this year.

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He said the figures have raised concerns about the continued practice of indiscriminate burning, particularly in communities along the East Bank and East Coast of Demerara, where grass fires remain a major challenge. Georgetown, meanwhile, has also recorded a high number of rubbish fires.