56 persons rendered homeless from 29 fires in Berbice for 2022 – GFS

A total of 56 persons have been rendered homeless as a result of fires that occurred in Berbice thus far for 2022.
This is according to statistics released by the Guyana Fire Service on Wednesday. Those stats have shown that 29 fires have thus far been recorded in the Ancient County, resulting in the total destruction of 18 buildings. Besides total destruction, two buildings were severely damaged and nine were slightly damaged from those fires. Moreover, four motor vehicles have been destroyed.
During a media briefing, Divisional Fire Officer Clive McDonald reported that causes of those fires ranged from electrical malfunction to malicious acts. He added that the division has had to respond to 217 calls in relation to fires, of which 44 were malicious false alarm calls. McDonald has warned that the authorities will move to prosecute persons who call the Fire Service in pranks to report false fires.
Collectively the fire stations in the county of Berbice: New Amsterdam and Rose Hall Town, which are in Region Six (East Berbice/ Corentyne), and Onverwagt in Region Five (Mahaica/Berbice) make up the Berbice Fire Division. They have responded to 84 vegetation fires which were as a result of the weather condition.
Meanwhile, in observance of Fire Prevention Week, McDonald has advised people to be careful when purchasing electrical equipment.
“Whenever you go to buy those electrical strips and so, you should buy those which are recommended by the National Bureau of Standards,” he advised.
Many consumers have been complaining about the poor quality of some electrical appliances available on the market. Some have been found to overheat, thereby raising the potential of causing fire.
Meanwhile, among the activities planned are sensitisation and awareness outreaches to businesses and Government agencies, including schools. Also, McDonald had indicated that 30 water hydrants would soon be installed in Region Six across the Corentyne.
On Thursday the first one was installed at Rose Hall Town, making it the first time a water hydrant is in that town.
A fire safety workshop was also hosted by the media personnel in Berbice on Wednesday. Among some of the issues dealt with were the impact of fires, and the need for education and safety measures.