“Fire prevention is everyone’s responsibility” – GFS

…distributes fire-extinguishing balls, smoke detectors

The Guyana Fire Service (GFS) has intensified its nationwide fire prevention campaign with the continued distribution of fire-extinguishing balls and smoke detectors to households and businesses across several regions. In a social media update on Friday, the Fire Service stated that firefighters attached to the Onverwagt Fire Station distributed 15 fire-extinguishing balls to businesses in Belladrum, Ross and Tempe villages, Berbice, on Thursday.
According to the GFS, 20 individuals were selected to participate in the initiative and received training on basic fire safety measures and the proper use of fire-extinguishing balls during the early stages of a fire. The exercise is part of a broader programme being implemented by the GFS in collaboration with the Government of Guyana to distribute fire-extinguishing balls across the country as part of ongoing fire prevention efforts.

The initiative is also being expanded in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), where firefighters have combined the distribution of fire-extinguishing balls with the installation of smoke detectors in homes. On Thursday, ranks from the Parika, Leonora and La Grange fire stations carried out a community outreach exercise during which residents received fire-extinguishing balls and smoke detectors. Firefighters also assisted householders with installing the smoke detectors and provided guidance on their operation and maintenance.
The Fire Service said the programme is aimed at reducing the incidence and impact of fires through public education, community engagement and improved household preparedness. According to the GFS, fire-extinguishing balls provide an additional means of suppressing small fires in their early stages, while smoke detectors serve as an early warning system by alerting occupants to the presence of smoke or fire, allowing for quicker evacuation and reducing potential property damage.
The Fire Service noted that fire prevention remains one of the most effective ways to protect lives and property. It said the combination of fire-extinguishing balls and smoke detectors is intended to strengthen community resilience and improve safety across households.
The outreach programme will continue throughout Region Three and other administrative regions as part of the GFS’ ongoing community risk reduction strategy. The GFS is encouraging citizens to remain vigilant by practising safe fire prevention habits, ensuring electrical systems are properly maintained, and developing household emergency plans. The GFS said it remains committed to protecting lives, property and the environment through prevention, preparedness, emergency response and public education, while reminding citizens that “fire prevention is everyone’s responsibility.”