GFS re-tooling to provide better service, save lives

The Guyana Fire Service (GFS) has been working overtime by modernising its facilities and providing a better quality service in order to preserve lives.

In 2015, the GFS received 2997 fire calls compared to 2441 in 2016, which represents a 19 per cent decrease in fire calls overall. In 2015 also, 145 buildings were destroyed by fire compared to 116 for 2016. Forty-four buildings were severely damaged by fire in 2015 and 32 in 2016. Overall, there was a five per

cent decrease of buildings being destroyed by fire in 2016.

The Chief Fire Officer Marlon Gentle, in an interview with the Government Information Agency (GINA), said that the overall reduction can only be attributed to the prompt response of the GFS when called upon and the expansion of the GFS in a number of regions.

The GFS in 2017, for the period January 1 to February 14, received a total of 152 fire calls as opposed to 389 for the corresponding period last year. This represents a 61 percent decrease in the number of calls the Fire Service received for fires.

However, there were 39 buildings involved in fires in 2017 over the period January 1, to February 14, when compared to only 32 involved in 2016 over the corresponding period.

Stamping out arson

One of the problems the GFS has faced over the years is dealing with arsonists. Arson accounted for most of the fires that occurred in 2015 and 2016, according to Gentle, and the trend is continuing.

Of the 39 buildings involved in fires thus far for this year, 12 were set by arsonists. Gentle noted that it is becoming a trend for persons to use fire to settle disputes, but stated that the GFS, in collaboration with the Guyana Police Force (GPF) will ensure the law is brought to bear on arsonists.

The Fire Chief stressed that, “We would like to send a strong message that, so long as our investigations lead to that aspect or the aspect of persons deliberately setting fires to these buildings, maliciously, which is a criminal offence, we would support law enforcement agencies in ensuring that these persons are brought to justice.”

Firefighting challenges

The lack of adequate and most importantly working fire hydrants have posed a number of challenges to the GFS and have been the causes for the loss of numerous lives. In 2016 however, the Guyana Fire Service in collaboration with the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), rehabilitated over 400 fire hydrants in Georgetown to create greater access to adequate water supply for the Fire Service during emergencies.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GWI, Dr Richard Van West-Charles said that the rehabilitation process will continue throughout the year, as there are approximately 800 fire hydrants in the city.

Some areas where the GWI has rehabilitated fire hydrants include Church, Lamaha, Hadfield and Water Streets.

The GFS has been able to use some to the rehabilitated fire hydrants which worked at an acceptable level in terms of the pressure of the water, the Fire Chief explained.

Modernising

In November 2016, the GFS initiated a five-year Emergency Medical Service (EMS). This was established before the end of the year however, the Chief Fire Officer noted that the service is expected to be established throughout Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica).

“It envisions that eight ambulances will be used to cover this area with staffing with the right complement of about 80 EMTs.”

The GFS will also be expanding its firefighting capacity as it will be establishing permanent structures in several hinterland communities. These include Lethem, Mahdia and Mabaruma.

Rehabilitation and modernisation works will also be carried out on a number of Fire Stations. The aim according to the Fire Chief, is to equip the Stations to be capable of handling both firefighting and EMS.

Additionally, the GFS conducted over 800 building inspections and fire safety outreaches. Over 35,000 people have since benefitted from the latter.

Gentle stated, “We believe that the message of fire safety has to go out there and that message has to also be absorbed by the persons who should now practice them.”

Training of fire officers is also ongoing in every region.