THE Guyana Fire Service (GFS) early last Sunday utilised its high-rise fire-fighting equipment and other vehicles in a two-hour simulation exercise at two separate locations in Georgetown.

The exercises were conducted at two high-rise buildings, that are under construction, in an effort to make the GFS even more capable to deal with fires/emergencies in multi-storey buildings.

Chief Fire Officer Marlon Gentle told this publication that the simulation exercise was very successful and was aimed at sharpening the skills of firefighters.

He said that although the weather wasn’t in their favour they managed to test all the vehicles and concluded that they are capable of dealing with any emergency in any high-rise building if their services are required.

Gentle, who was on hand to oversee the exercise, told this publication that dealing with utility poles and live electrical wires were a challenge but they were able to overcome that and their efforts were successful.

He noted that the simulation exercises were done at two locations – at one building at Garnett and Sheriff Streets and another at Camp and Robb Streets, Georgetown.

HIGH-RISE EQUIPMENT
The Chief Fire Officer stated that a total of eight vehicles were used with two high-rise turntable ladders, one medium hydraulic platform, one high-rise water tower, one water/foam tender and four conventional water tenders. All fire stations were exercised with 50 ranks.

Gentle commended members of the Guyana Police Force Traffic Department and the owners of the two buildings for their support on Sunday morning from 07:00hrs to 09:00hrs.

He said further that there will be ongoing simulation exercises, adding that the GFS is fully equipped to respond to any fire call or emergency.

(By Michel Outridge)