Region 3 records 189% increase in fires: GFS warns against indiscriminate burning

The Guyana Fire Service (GFS) has reported a 189 per cent increase in fire incidents across Region Three (Essequibo Islands–West Demerara) during October 2026 compared to the corresponding period last year, with the majority involving rubbish, grass, and bush fires.

According to the Fire Service, approximately 90 per cent of the incidents were linked to the burning of rubbish and vegetation, with deliberate fires set for waste disposal and land clearing identified as the leading cause.

Full coverageGuyana Fire Service Urges Fire Safety During Fire Prevention Month9 reports

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In a statement posted on its social media page, the GFS said the most affected communities included Stewartville, Leonora, Meten-Meer-Zorg, Anna Catherina, and Cornelia Ida on the West Coast of Demerara; Schoonord, Parfaite Harmonie, and Wales on the East Bank of Demerara; and Philadelphia on the East Bank of Essequibo.