Ecobreves – GUATEMALA: Off to Fight Fires!

By IPS Correspondents and - - Reprint | | Print |

GUATEMALA CITY, Apr 25 2004 (IPS) - Twenty-five brigades of specialized firefighters were established in April by the National Forests Institute (INAB) to confront the wave of fires that affect Guatemala's forests each summer. From January to Apr. 16, there were 211 forest fires reported, 62 occurring in protected areas, INAB spokeswoman Alejandra Samayoa told Tierramérica.

The institute is training the members of the 25 brigades, who cover 12 of the country's 22 departments, and is providing them with the tools necessary for the job, such as water pumps, hoses and axes.

Each member is outfitted with protective gear, consisting of a uniform, helmet, gloves, goggles and masks.

Samayoa says that for the first time Guatemala will have trained experts to fight forest fires, who will earn 55 quetzals (6.8 dollars) a day.