Govt battling “deliberately set” forest fires in Karisparu, Region 8

Last Updated on Sunday, 8 November 2026, 14:58 by Written By Denis Chabrol

The Civil Defence Commission (CDC) on Sunday said a coordinated multi-agency operation was underway to tackle ongoing forest fires in Karisparu, Region 8 (Potaro-Siparuni) that authorities say started with the burning of waste.

“Initial reports indicate that the fires were deliberately set through the burning of garbage within the community, which subsequently spread beyond control,” the CDC said in a statement.

The Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Guyana Fire Service (GFS) and Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) are part of the response along with the CDC in coordinating a response to the fires, the CDC said.

“Preliminary assessments indicate that the fires have caused damage to agricultural lands and housing materials, while several residential properties remain under threat,” the disaster response agency said.  Of particular concern, the CDC said, was the potential impact on the main access bridge spanning Karisparu Creek, which connects the airstrip to the village and serves as critical infrastructure for community access and emergency response operations.

The disaster response agency said the CDC, GDF, GFS and GFC were working collaboratively to address the situation, with efforts focused on containing the fires.

The CDC says it will continue to monitor the situation closely and coordinate with the relevant agencies to facilitate an effective response.

That commission called on citizens to refrain from open burning, particularly during dry conditions, and to exercise extreme caution when undertaking activities that may result in uncontrolled forest fires. The CDC says it  remains committed to safeguarding lives, livelihoods and critical infrastructure and will provide further updates as additional information becomes available.