Fire response in Guyana needs massive improvements and resources

Apr 18, 2020 Letters

DEAR EDITOR,

Over the years, I’ve seen the numerous media reports of families losing their entire life possessions, and I’ve witnessed the trauma that fire creates in people’s lives. Unfortunately, yesterday I had the misfortune of coming close to having that experience myself.
On 16 April 2020, persons proceeded to set alight the rice field adjacent to the Boodhoo Housing Scheme (Schoonord, WBD) where my home is located. This is a common occurrence that seems to have no end, much to the annoyance of residents.
Around 1 p.m., I called 912 as the smoke created by the fire intensified. The operator told me that the fire service was already responding and that it would be dealt with. Unfortunately, it would later become evident that the operator was not paying attention to what I had to say, because the fire tender was actually attending to a fire elsewhere
on the West Bank.
As the smoke got worse, we decided to take a drive, with the hope that the smoke would dissipate once we returned home. Around 2:50 p.m. as we neared home, we realised that not only did the fire intensify, but it leapt from the rice field into the housing community, and was tearing through empty lots.
At 2:53 p.m. I called 912 again. The operator was very dismissive and said that the fire truck (apparently the only available one on the West Coast/Bank) was occupied, and suggested that we try to put out the fire ourselves. I asked for her assistance in getting the contact numbers for La Grange Fire Station and she refused.
We stood in helpless disbelief as we watched a massive bush fire quickly approach our home. I wouldn’t want anyone to ever be in my position where you have to prepare yourself mentally to completely lose your home and belongings. How does anyone prepare for this?
More frantic calls were made to 912 to explain the urgency. No help! We even drove to La Grange Fire Station. No help (one truck was parked up, doesn’t work). Around 3:10 p.m., I called Leonora Fire Station. The person that answered the phone did try to help. The best was trying to get a truck from West Ruimveldt to show up (it never did). Contact was even made with Diamond Fire Station and no help. This went on until the one truck on the West Bank showed up just before 4 p.m. (after dealing with another fire).
They came in the nick of time, and I’m super thankful that my home has only suffered soot and smoke damage. It could have been immensely worse.
The Fire Service in Guyana needs resources urgently. It’s a disaster that there are not enough fire tenders to serve a massive area like Region 3. It is appalling that the 912 service is dismissive of a caller, unhelpful, and quite unprofessional. It was also upsetting to see that the firemen showed up and did not have adequate protective gear for themselves. I’m also mindful that these men had to fight two fires back to back, in the space of five hours. The firemen deserve better than this. Citizens deserve better than this.
For years, persons that have faced these losses have repeatedly called for better. I’m only adding to their calls. I hope someone in the right place finally pays attention.
Salima Bacchus-Hinds
Gender & Development Specialist

Chairman
The Cooperative Republicans of Guyana

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