Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
End of dialog window.
Guatemala’s firefighters are facing a double crisis as forest fires rage across the country while COVID-19 restrictions stretch resources thin. Volunteers like Roger Agustin and Eddy Mansill describe a perfect storm: lockdown curfews limit emergency response teams, while fewer community helpers and staff amplify the chaos.
'It’s like fighting a wildfire with a water pistol,' says Mansill. The pandemic’s curfew rules have slashed volunteer numbers, leaving crews overworked as flames devour forests critical to biodiversity. Agustin adds, 'We’re racing time—and losing.'
Why It Matters
Forests cover over 30% of Guatemala, but 2023’s fires have already destroyed vast swaths of ecosystems. With climate change intensifying dry seasons, the lack of hands-on-deep has turned this into an eco-emergency. Local officials warn the damage could take decades to reverse.
The Human Cost
Beyond the environmental toll, smoke inhalation cases are rising in nearby communities. Yet pandemic protocols make evacuations and medical support riskier. It’s a real-life 'choose your battle' scenario—COVID vs. climate—with firefighters caught in the crossfire.
As the world eyes post-pandemic recovery, Guatemala’s situation is a stark reminder: some crises can’t wait.
Volunteers like Roger Agustin and Eddy Mansill describe a perfect storm: lockdown curfews limit emergency response teams, while fewer community helpers and staff amplify the chaos.
'It’s like fighting a wildfire with a water pistol,' says Mansill. The pandemic’s curfew rules have slashed volunteer numbers, leaving crews overworked as flames devour forests critical to biodiversity. Agustin adds, 'We’re racing time—and losing.'
With climate change intensifying dry seasons, the lack of hands-on-deep has turned this into an eco-emergency. Local officials warn the damage could take decades to reverse.
It’s a real-life 'choose your battle' scenario—COVID vs. climate—with firefighters caught in the crossfire.
COVID-19 Lockdowns Gored Spain's Fighting Bull Industry
: Life Under COVID-19’s Grip
