Authorities are warning of serious fire weather conditions this week. A high frequency of wildfires have been flaring across the island in the past several days, posing a risk to the community. A Barrigada husband and wife share just how dangerously close one blaze got to their home on Monday.

Homes in Barrigada spared from what could have been a devastating loss. A wildfire stopped less than 10 feet away from these homes in San Antonio Street. Smoke still lingers two days after what Marieta Chargualaf describes as a fast moving ‘inferno’ - one that forced her, her wheelchair bound husband and neighbors to abandon their homes. 

"I’m scared because especially in the beginning, I’m holding the hose at the back when I saw the fire– it looked like an inferno. The (firefighters) said, ‘Ma’am, get out.’ So I got out, left the hose in the back and we pushed my husband outside all the way," she recalled.

Farron Taijeron, better known as The Guam Guy, was at the scene. "Another day, another wildlife," he stated. "My question is: who do you think started it?" Equipped with wildland fire training, he volunteered to provide aerial imagery and coverage to Guam Forestry, sharing just how dangerously close this blaze got.

"This morning when I woke up I was a little stuffy. So I blew my nose and ashes came out. So I can’t even imagine what it's like for the houses and the people in the area. And especially our firefighters who are out there risking it all for us and to protect us," Taijeron said.

From outdoor burning, discarded cigarettes, to arson…all wildfires in Guam are caused by humans.  And it’s the community that pays the price. 

Taijeron continued, "Farmers have reported losing thousands of dollars in crops. They’re scared that their irrigation system, which are usually petroleum based products, could go up in flames. Or even your house itself especially if you have a wood and tin structure, that would considerably catch on fire. If you have animals you keep outside, pigs, chickens, whatever, they can get smoke inhalation injuries. Or if the fire is really bad, they can get burned directly. If you have asthma it could trigger an attack or if you’re a manamko’ with respiratory issues, this could take you to the ER."

The Chargualafs suspect poachers intentionally set the blaze. They say it’s the third wildfire that’s threatened their home. 

"We always heard a noise like a gun or whatever, probably it’s the time the fire started," Marieta said.

In the meantime, the Guam Fire Department says they’ve been responding to a high frequency of fires not only this past week but since the start of the year. Agency spokesperson Lieutenant Nick Garrido says there have been more than 200 fires from January to March, to include abandoned car fires. 

"Just within the last week, we’ve had multiple abandoned vehicle fires in Dededo. A few days ago, we had a fire behind Wendy’s in Barrigada," Garrido confirmed. "Then yesterday which led to the one off of Lalo road in Anderson street. That place there too (the fire) was getting close to the residents."

A Red Flag Warning is in effect until Friday, meaning a combination of strong winds, low humidity, and warm temperatures will create ideal conditions for rapid spread of wildfires. Garrido said, "If you see something, say something. Please be mindful of outdoor burning. There is no outdoor burning (allowed) presently. Also if you do decide to burn, please make sure it is in a controlled environment. Remember that even if it is in a bin, the embers that fly is also what ignites other fuels."

It's a reminder that all it takes is a spark to put property, crops, animals, homes and loved ones at risk.