At the Ministry of Home Affairs’ annual review and predictions press conference today, Fire Chief Mr. Gregory Wickham emphasized that the Guyana Fire Service’s main objectives for 2024 are fire prevention and the improvement of public awareness of fire safety
Mr. Wickham emphasized that there was training for various ranks, improvements to the GFS’s vehicles and equipment, and a Children’s Camp that educated kids about fire prevention and safety. Community outreaches were also done around the country, where home inspections and on-the-spot training in the usage of fire extinguishers and evacuation protocols were conducted.
Additionally, fourteen (14) newborns were delivered, and several medical emergencies were attended to by ranks from the Guyana Fire Service. The training of ranks in the Emergency Medical Services is expected to continue in 2024.
The Fire Prevention Officer contended that a great majority of the fires reported were caused by negligence or poor management of electrical appliances.
Mr. Robeson Benn, Minister of Home Affairs, indicated that the GFS faces several obstacles, including a lack of public awareness, malicious calls or prank calls, maintenance issues with aged equipment, and the growing tendency of citizens to attempt to extinguish fires instead of calling the GFS immediately.
Minister Benn stated that as part of the Guyana Fire Service’s “rebuilding”, one hundred eighty-five (185) fire hydrants were installed in various communities across the country. A fire boat and new fire trucks were commissioned as well as a new sky lift reaching up to one hundred thirty feet (130) that gives the GFS access to high-rise buildings.
The Permanent Secretary called on citizens to invest in fire prevention measures like smoke detectors and fire extinguishers which are VAT-free.