Amelia’s Ward sawmill operators asked to temporarily halt operations after second fire erupts
11 April 2025
Even as firefighters work to fully extinguish the blaze that started on Wednesday at the Waaldijk Sawmill in Amelia’s Ward, Linden, a second fire has erupted at another nearby sawmill and destroyed a hut.
According to the Home Affairs Ministry, the nearby sawmill negligently disposed of fresh timber waste too close to the existing fire’s edge, where it ignited and spread to the shed.
This prompted authorities to call on all surrounding operators to temporarily cease operations.
See the statement below from the Home Affairs Ministry:
Further Update: Fire at Waaldijk Sawmill, Amelia’s Ward, Linden
Emergency response teams remain actively engaged at the site of the Waaldijk Sawmill fire in Amelia’s Ward, Linden. The fire, which broke out Wednesday evening (April 9, 2025), has been contained but not yet fully extinguished. Crews are working diligently to prevent any resurgence or spread of the blaze.
The Ministry of Home Affairs and the Guyana Fire Service are strongly urging all surrounding sawmill operators to temporarily cease operations. This comes as emergency efforts continue and risks remain high in the immediate area.
This appeal follows a recent incident in which a nearby hut caught fire and was severely damaged. Preliminary reports indicate that the fire was triggered by negligent disposal of fresh timber waste by a nearby sawmill operation. The waste was placed too close to the fire’s edge, where it ignited and spread to the shed, resulting in significant destruction.
Firefighters reported that there are approximately ten sawmills operating in close proximity to the fire zone, further compounding the risk. The cooperation of all operators is deemed critical to ensuring the safety of personnel, equipment, and surrounding property.
The public is reminded to stay clear of the area while firefighting and containment activities are ongoing.
Further updates will be issued as the situation evolves.
