PARAMARIBO — More and more areas are experiencing smoke nuisance due to the spreading forest fire in the Commewijne district. In a press release, the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Labor warned on Wednesday evening that the smoke could also spread to Paramaribo.
According to the ministry, the fire is raging near Belwaarde (Plantage De Vries) and is affecting, among other things, the area around Suzannedaal and the Ordonnanceweg near the Military Project. The smoke development has now reached New Amsterdam.
“Don’t wait until the symptoms worsen”
The ministry calls on the community to take precautions and limit exposure to the smoke as much as possible. VWA is in contact with the National Coordination Center for Disaster Management and is closely monitoring the situation.
Health advice
Persons in the affected area are advised to keep windows and doors closed as much as possible to prevent smoke from entering the home. In addition, people with asthma or other respiratory diseases should stay indoors as much as possible.
A tip is to seal openings under doors with damp cloths to limit the ingress of smoke. “Anyone who must go outside is advised to wear a well-fitting N95 or KN95 mouth-nose mask to protect against smoke particles,” says VWA.
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Exposure to smoke can lead to health problems, including irritation of the eyes and nose, coughing, sneezing, itching and shortness of breath. Persons who experience such complaints are urgently advised to contact their GP. “Do not wait until the complaints worsen,” the ministry emphasizes.
VWA emphasizes the importance of alertness and calls on the community to follow the health advice given to minimize the risks of exposure to smoke.
