Guatemala was fairly well prepared for the fire events of 1998. Like many other Central American countries, the number of fires and the scale of the fires eventually overwhelmed their capabilities.
Fire management responsibility lies mainly with local authorities. Initial response is done by local volunteers, or, on State lands, by government personnel. Effective use of specialized firefighting tools is on the increase. When the situation becomes too complex or large, the regional governor assumes emergency management responsibility. There is a governmental structure for emergency response. The Petén region of northern Guatemala was well prepared for the fire events of May 1998. The situation overextended their abilities, but their organizational expertise facilitated their ability to manage the situation. Previously that year, international specialists worked on emergency management techniques with Emergency Coordination Management officials in the Petén. The training was evident in their efficiency in coordinating activities (Perkins 1998). There were military, Civil Defense, volunteers and local forestry officials working together to achieve control of the wildfire situation.
There is no national authority for fire suppression. Each region is responsible for initiating fire suppression, preparedness and prevention actions. There is a high degree of international involvement, since areas within Guatemala are under development and the Mayan Ruins serve as a catalyst for action. Wildfire protection programmes are divided among the respective natural resource agencies with Civil Defense having the ultimate authority. The Civil Defense authority does not actively engage in suppression actions at the national level. They do become involved locally as was evident in the Petén. The national civil defense agency steps in once there is a presidential disaster declaration.
References
Perkins, J.H. 1998. Guatemala wildfire assessment report. USDA Forest Service. 23 pp.
