Tag: Sawmill

Smoke being contained as efforts continue to extinguish Linden sawmill fire

Posted on by Kayleigh Carter

Efforts are currently underway to contain the smoke emanating from the fire at the Waaldijk Sawmill in Linden which started more than a week ago.

A team comprising Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, Public Infrastructure Minister Juan Edghill, and representatives from the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) visited the community on Tuesday to assess the situation first-hand.

Speaking on a radio programme on 104.3 Boom FM, the Prime Minister said that if the concentration of smoke increases, residents in proximity may need to be relocated to shelters.
In the meantime, he advised residents to wear protective gear, such as face masks, and noted that various agencies, including the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), have been working diligently to ease the situation.

“So what is going to happen is they’re going to be trucking water and pouring it over the area in a sustained manner. Hopefully, this will eventually lead to not only the suppression but the extinguishing of the fire. We’re talking about over 30 years of sawmill waste, ash, shavings, and pieces of wood. So obviously, it’s several feet deep,” he explained.

Director-General of the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), Colonel (Ret’d) Nazrul Hussain, said the situation is being closely monitored.
“My team has been on the ground since the fire started. We’ve been monitoring what’s going on. The fire is man-made due to the combustible material present, and our main challenge has been eliminating it. However, that primary threat has now been addressed, and we’re dealing with the residual impacts,” he stated.

Hussain added that stakeholders—including the Forestry Commission, Region 10 Democratic Council, EPA, and GWI—are on the ground conducting assessments. He assured that the CDC will remain involved until the threat is fully resolved.
He also said that shelter locations have already been identified, although some residents have expressed reluctance to relocate due to security concerns.

Nevertheless, he advised residents to evacuate during the daytime and return home at night when the air is less polluted.
Fire Officer in Charge at the Linden Fire Station, Mark Smith, stated that efforts to soak the area will continue in order to suppress the smoke, which has significantly affected residents.
Executive Director of the EPA, Kemraj Parsam, reassured the public that his team has been actively monitoring the situation and providing guidance to residents.

“Of course, the fire started with natural gas emissions that caused it to ignite. The main issue now is the smoke. Our staff is currently on the ground monitoring the concentration of carbon monoxide and other pollutants to determine the impact on residents. Some individuals—particularly those with respiratory sensitivities—are being affected. The CDC is working to relocate the most vulnerable. The key point is that our measurements show the smoke concentration has not exceeded World Health Organisation standards,” he said.
Minister Edghill also reassured the public that both the private sector and the government are collaborating and mobilising resources. He emphasised that there is no cause for alarm and that conditions will soon return to normal.

PM Phillips and team during his visit to the site 

PM Phillips speaks about the state of the fire in Linden 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Linden sawmill fire isolated, says Home Affairs Ministry

Posted on by Kayleigh Carter

Firefighters continue to respond to the large fire that broke out at the Waaldijk Sawmill in South Amelia’s Ward, Linden.
In a statement issued this morning, the Home Affairs Ministry noted that while the fire has been contained, it is not yet fully extinguished.
Residents and local officials had appealed for national assistance after the sawmill dump site fire, which started on Wednesday morning, continued to spread. Concerns were raised that it could affect nearby homes and other buildings.
However, the ministry has since confirmed that the blaze has been successfully isolated, thanks to the swift response of emergency teams.
Trenches have been excavated around the affected area to prevent the fire from spreading further.

The fire is now reportedly confined to a gully located behind the sawmill, which officials believe has played a key role in limiting the threat to surrounding residential and industrial properties.
The ministry stated that while flames remain active within the isolated zone, fire crews are closely monitoring the situation and continue to work towards full extinguishment.
The Home Affairs Ministry and the Guyana Fire Service have extended sincere gratitude and appreciation to all supporting agencies, including Bosai Minerals Group Guyana Incorporated, the Region 10 administration, the Guyana Police Force, the Guyana Defence Force, and civilians assisting in the response efforts.

They noted that the dedication and coordination of all involved have been vital in containing the fire and protecting lives and property.
The public is urged to avoid the area while emergency operations are ongoing. The origin of the fire remains under investigation.