– says Minister Benn

IN light of the notable rise in fires observed in the previous year, the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) will be enhancing its capabilities in 2024. This will involve procuring mobile units, as well as expanding volunteer groups, among other strategic measures.

Speaking to reporters at his Brickdam Office in Georgetown on Wednesday, Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn disclosed that training for volunteer fire brigades has already been completed in Lethem, Mahdia, and Mabaruma.

“In the new budget we are looking at bringing in units and expanding the volunteer fire service,” the minister emphasised during his ministry’s year-end review.
While the assets of the fire service will increase, Minister Benn emphasised the need for citizens to play their part in quelling the increase in fires.

The 2024 budget includes the exemption of value-added tax (VAT) on fire extinguishers and smoke detectors, aimed at enhancing fire prevention and suppression efforts nationwide.

Meanwhile, new fire stations are expected to be constructed at Parika and Vreed-en-Hoop in Region Three, and another location close to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA).

Minister Benn also clarified that fire trucks do not always arrive without water, as water bowsers can carry a limited amount of water which is depleted on-scene.

“There’s a limited amount of water which they can carry in the trucks – 300/400 gallons at a time. Those will go pretty quickly,” the home affairs minister highlighted.

Additionally, the fire service is implementing educational initiatives to improve fire safety within communities and individual households.

GFS has already experienced various infrastructural enhancements, such as the successful construction of a state-of-the-art Fire Service Headquarters on Homestretch Avenue, as well as fire stations located in Ogle and Wales, among other regions.

Moreover, the acquisition of modern firefighting equipment included a skylift, an aerodrome, and a firefighting boat.