CHIEF Fire Officer Marlon Gentle has disclosed that 2015 was not a bad year for the Guyana Fire Service (GFS). He indicated that even though the GFS saw an increase in fire calls, relatively major disasters were averted because the firemen did what they had to do with the resources they had at their disposal.Gentle explained that the Fire Service received a total of 2,223 fire calls, with 128 buildings being totally destroyed by fire; 25 buildings being severely damaged, and 97 buildings being slightly damaged.

Gentle said that, in 2015, a total of 19 government buildings were destroyed by fire, with four of those buildings being completely destroyed, three being severely damaged, and 12 being slightly damaged.

He noted that, last year, GFS tallied a total of 56 vehicles being destroyed in separate fires. Forty of those vehicles were completely destroyed by fire, nine were severely damaged, and seven were slightly damaged.

Gentle said that, last year, nine businesses were completely destroyed by fire, even as there were a total of 34 such fires countrywide.

He revealed that, last year, 542 persons were rendered homeless, nine lost their lives to fires, seven were injured; and external electrical fires numbered 291, while internal electrical fires stood at 45.

The Chief Fire Officer added that there were 1,359 outdoor vegetation fires in 2015. Thirty-seven fires were recorded as a result of carelessness, while children playing with matches caused nine fires.

Gentle added that, for modern training, the GFS is seeking partnerships with overseas counterparts for tactical techniques and programmes to be employed in the Guyana situation. He said the risk is to deal with eventualities.

Gentle pointed out that the GFS was aiming at an almost two-fold development of the officer corps, to function as the Guyana Fire and Rescue Service. He said there are 15 fire stations countrywide, and the La Grange Fire Station is expected to be commissioned by mid-year. The building has been completed, but it has to be equipped, and training of 50 recruits will start shortly thereafter.

He said the 50 recruits will undergo a 12-week training programme, because the GFS wants ranks to fill permanent positions.

Gentle noted that the GFS is in talks with the Region Four authorities in regard to sourcing a plot of land in the Paradise village area to erect a fire station to serve the East Coast Demerara corridor. He said another fire station will be built at Corriverton, East Berbice, since there is need for a station there as well.

He told this newspaper that the GFS has had 69,000 fire-prevention activities, such as lectures, seminars, drills, television programmes, and also processed buildings inspections, among other things.

Gentle said the GFS is this year hoping to roll out its Medical First Responders (MFR) ambulance service initiative, and the GFS will train first responders in the event of road accidents and industrial accidents.