IN anticipation of challenges associated with the overall development of the country, including the oil-and-gas industry, the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) will be transitioned into a more energised service.

This is according to Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, who was speaking at the Fire Advisory Board’s Outreach Programme #2 held at the Guyana Police Force Officers’ Training Centre on Friday.

While emphasising the need for awareness and better firefighting equipment, he said there is a need for highly skilled personnel to be present on vessels and onshore at various development projects.

He said that attention needs to be paid to fire prevention, sprinkler systems, fire extinguishers and the electrical installations in buildings, which are prone to causing fires.

The minister added that persons should sign on to fire insurance and have the necessary inspections done, along with the proper layouts, so as to not suffer losses because of a fire.
He used the opportunity to inform attendees that Guyana has acquired equipment that will better the fire service.

Meanwhile, Fire Chief (ag) Gregory Wickham in his remarks said that the GFS is pleased with the support it has received from the board.

Noting that whenever there is a fire, there is an economic loss, Wickham said that members of the fire service have decided to offer advice to members of the public and the business community, so that they can prevent fires.

“For us, one fire is too much. So, I want to implore on [sic] all of you, when it is necessary, when you are called upon, to lend that support to the Guyana Fire Service,” he added.
The outreach was held under the theme, “Fire safety starts with the people, let’s endeavour to achieve our goals through education.”