CONSTRUCTION of the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) Training School at Leonora, on the West Coast of Demerara, is in Phase Three of its completion, and the GFS anticipates commissioning this facility this year.

Chief Fire Officer Marlon Gentle said the final touches are being administered to the edifice, which will see the training and accommodation buildings being completed, and support elements being installed along with an open area for recruit training to be done. He added that the edifice would be commissioned this year, and he hopes to start recruit training there in due course.

Gentle explained that a multi-purpose fire fighting simulator would be added to the facility to properly prepare recruits for real hands-on fire fighting exercises.

Every aspect of fire simulation would be engaged in at the facility: fire behaviour, and high-rise and other forms of fire fighting strategies, he noted.

Gentle said the GFS is adequately equipped with fire fighting and rescue tools to respond to any eventuality, but there is never ‘too much’ equipment and tools.

This fire fighting school will house the barracks, mess hall, accommodation area, the lecture hall, and facilities for training in all aspects of firemanship, Gentle said.

He said that Phase One of construction, costing $25M, saw completion of the fence, construction of culverts and bridges, and levelling of the approximately four acres of land which will be the first area dedicated to GFS training.

Gentle noted that the project comes under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA).

(Michel Outridge)