Activities in observance of Fire Prevention Week continued yesterday with an exhibition specifically targeting school children at the Diamond Community Centre Ground.

Section Leader of the Fire Prevention Unit, Shannon Crawford, explains the functions of equipment at the Fire Safety Fair at Diamond Community Centre.

Taking the children through the exhibition, Section Leader of the Fire Prevention Unit, Shannon Crawford, said that fire prevention practices are encouraged all year long; however, these are intensified during the week that includes October 9.

Crawford explained that the importance of this week dates back to the “Great Chicago Fire” which occurred on October 9, 1871, claiming the lives of 250 people and destroying 17, 430 buildings, leaving 100,000 people homeless.

He emphasised the importance of fire prevention, noting that once the condition presents itself, a fire will start. “Fire has no respect, it impedes development and we cannot afford to let that happen in Guyana,” he said.

Crawford added that the Guyanese public is very reactive with regard to fire safety; as such, the Fire Service is trying to broach the subject in such a way as to make the public more proactive.

Students at the Fire Safety Fair.

During the course of the week, Officers from various Fire Departments will be conducting drills, exhibitions and discussions on fire safety throughout the country.

Fire prevention is described as any precautionary measure put in place to obviate the outbreak of a fire.

This year, the week is being observed under the theme “Fire Prevention Needs Everyone’s Attention.” The first Fire Prevention Day was observed in the U.S. and Canada on October 9, 1911.

In Guyana, after the amendment of the Fire Prevention Ordinance, the Fire Service established a committee in 1974 consisting of members of the Guyana Fire Service to plan and execute a public awareness programme during the week. It has since been observed annually. (GINA)