THE government is intensifying its efforts to build the capacity of the Guyana Fire Service to effectively respond to fire calls.

Chief Fire Officer (ag) Gregory Wickham on Thursday disclosed that an additional 150 fire hydrants will soon be installed across the country. This is in addition to the 151 that have already been set up around Georgetown.

“We are manufacturing another 150 hydrants which we intend to stretch out throughout the country to help us in firefighting once we get those connections going,” the fire chief stated.
Wickham said mapping exercises are ongoing to install the hydrants in Regions Two, Three, Five, Six and 10.

One hundred million was allocated in the budget for the installation of fire hydrants around the country to ensure that there is adequate water supply in the event of a fire.

Additionally, Minister of Home Affairs Robeson Benn reported a 22 per cent reduction in fires in 2021. Minister Benn said government will continue to invest in various avenues to further reduce the incidence of fire.
This, he said, will be done by distributing 3,000 free smoke detectors and fireballs to homeowners and businesses this year.

Fireballs are a revolutionary self-activating device designed to extinguish fires, providing a much-needed additional line of defence.

Since taking office, government has heavily invested in building the capacity of the Guyana Fire Service. Some of the investments include the acquisition of fire tenders and other firefighting equipment, along with training and establishment of fire stations in hinterland regions. (DPI)