And NEMO has been on the ground in both Toledo and Cayo. The National Emergency Coordination explained that they carried out an operation in the San Antonio area with several partners, including the use of an Astrum Helicopter.
There have been no helicopters in the south, though, but Mendez told us that the fires have been decreasing.
Still, the air quality in both districts remains a major concern. He spoke to us via Zoom.
Daniel Mendez, NEMO Coordinator
"San Antonio, Cayo, there's still an active fire that is being addressed. The firefighting efforts have been on board for a few days. There's still remain elements of that fire, which continue to pose a threat to the villages community villages water system."
"The operations continue in that area and the community's members along with NEMO, with the BDF, with members of the APAMO NGO have been out there fighting that fire and it continues."
"There was an operation on Saturday to assist the community of San Antonio. The operation lasted a few hours. It resulted in some success and the helicopter was working in close collaboration with the ground units who were there trying to work together to ensure that as much of the fires would be put out."
"In the San Pedro, Colombia area, for the most part, the fires have died down. There's still elements, there's still fire situations and other abilities which are developing. So our operations remain active."
"We are we continue to provide support to these communities. I know that there was a fire near the Silver Creek area. And we have been responding to that as well. Of course, there's always the issue of smoke inhalation. And I believe that if they have started to experience any breathing difficulties, they should visit their nearest clinic to get an assessment. It is, of course, an issue that continues across the country. So it's one that we definitely have to consider."
And the fire season has about two more weeks until its end, and rain is expected in the coming week. Mendez said that while this is good news for those affected, the end of the fire season ushers in the start of the hurricane season.
Daniel Mendez, NEMO Coordinator
"That is the hope. The hope is that the rains begin and the fires start to diminish. Of course, at the same time, we are then in the hurricane season. So we are really moving away from one hazard and we need to start preparing for the next hazard."
"So for the rest of the fire season, I will continue to advise that we continue to monitor the fire situation. The temperatures continue to remain high and there is, of course, the risk of other fires developing."
"At the same time, we are moving into the hurricane season and the importance of having a hurricane plan is also very, very important. I think what we're seeing right now is really should be cause of concern for everyone and for everyone to understand that we have to start planning, having our own family plans prepared and ready to go."
