…as new HQ commissioned, 40 RIVs handed over
As part of an integrated approach to enhancing the country’s security, President Dr Irfaan Ali has rolled out a 10-point plan for the Guyana Fire Service that will see, among other things, stricter enforcement of safety codes and stronger penalties for breaches of fire prevention measures.
The Head of State, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, announced the 10-point plan on Wednesday during a ceremony to commission the newly-constructed Guyana Fire Service Headquarters on Homestretch Avenue, as well as the acquisition of 40 Rapid Intervention Vehicles (RIVs) that would boost response to fires across the country.
During his remarks, President Ali pointed out that construction of this new headquarters, which was done to the tune of $614.5 million by Mohamed’s Enterprise, and the acquisition of the 40 new RIVs from the United Kingdom-based Angloco are a demonstration of his government’s commitment to not just building a professional, efficient and responsive Fire Service, but also one that is equipped to meet the growing challenges of a modern society.
Consequently, the Head of State outlined the GFS 10-point plan, which will focus on enhancing operational capacity, improving response times, and positioning the service to better protect citizens from fire hazards.
Foremost in this plan is the strengthening of the legal framework to have stronger enforcement of fire safety codes, as well as higher penalties for breaches.
“Efforts will be intensified to strengthen fire codes and standards for buildings, ensuring that structures are designed and maintained to reduce the risk of fires. As part of this initiative, legislation will be reviewed to mandate stricter inspections, certification processes, and robust enforcement of safety regulations. Additionally, stiffer penalties will be imposed for non-compliance, sending a clear message about the importance of adhering to fire safety standards is non-negotiable. These measures are all geared towards improving fire prevention, fostering a culture of safety, and minimizing the likelihood of devastating fire incidents across the country,” he stated.
Other key pillars of the 10-point plan include equipping the Fire Service with adequate resources, collaboration with partner-agencies, public awareness education, and training of firefighters as well community volunteers to enhance response and also deal with emerging challenges as Guyana continues on this unprecedented development path.
“As industries grow and new sectors develop, the complexity and scale of fire risks will evolve requiring the Fire Service to be adaptable and forward-thinking. Additionally, the impacts of climate change, such as increased incidences of extreme weather conditions and forest fires, will further complicate firefighting efforts. To meet these challenges head-on, the Fire Service must continuously develop its capabilities and ensure that its strategies align with the changing needs of a dynamic and developing nation,” he noted.
To this end, the Head of State underscored the need to prioritise and tailor strategies to mitigate hazards effectively, especially in regions most vulnerable to fire outbreaks. As such, he noted that a comprehensive risk assessment would be conducted to map out high-risk areas such as densely populated neighbourhoods, industrial zones, commercial districts, and locations with limited access to water or firefighting infrastructure.
“So, firefighters within a given locality will be trained to operate within that locality. So, you have a generalized training, but you will also know where every asset is, every pond, every drain is within that locality that you’re operating in,” he stated.
Another major element of the 10-point plan for the Guyana Fire Service is the use of technology in firefighting, including identifying those high-risk fire zones. Additionally, there are plans to implement modern technologies to streamline the dispatch processes to allow for a faster, more efficient response to emergencies, ultimately saving lives and minimising damage to properties.
Cutting-edge technology
In fact, Government has reached out to Angloco – the leading British manufacturer of fire-fighting vehicles and equipment – to ascertain the type of communication technology that they use with the aim of replicating it here in the coming months.
Another new advancement in firefighting that Government wants to introduce here is the fire extinguishing balls, which the Guyanese Leader noted can be used in hotels and commercial buildings.
“We will leverage cutting-edge technology, including drones for aerial assessments. By investing in these resources, we aim to empower the Fire Service with the tools and technology necessary to address fire incidents swiftly, safely, and effectively, aligning with the demands of a modern and evolving environment. Part of this of course includes training, looking at the welfare of our staff, but also importantly, holding our staff accountable. Technology would be helping us to hold our staff accountable for their action,” President Ali stated.
He went on to add that Government is also working on hiring retired firemen and women in the diaspora to share their experience and expertise with the GFS.
Meanwhile, data collection would play a key role in the National Firefighting and Fire Prevention Plan, and according to President Ali, there would be built out a comprehensive database of fire incidents, response times, and outcomes, and that would be maintained to analyze trends and identify areas for improvement.
“This feature will be digitized, and will be online, so that one can go and check online and see the update on a fire. They can see what was the response, what was the nature of the fire, and every aspect in relation to every fire. So, that system, I’ve asked the Minister of Public Service to work with the National IT Advisor to have this system in place before the end of the first quarter of this year,” he stated. (G8)
