| Nine persons have lost their lives in fires so far for this year. Figures released by Home Affairs Minister, Clement Rohee, in a message to mark Fire Prevention Week,Jerseys From China, indicated that this year, to date, 109 buildings have been destroyed and a further 38 were severely damaged.According to the Minister, most of these fires attacked dwelling houses, and left 218 persons homeless.“Certainly, these fires have left scars on the lives and the minds of persons affected and by extension, their families and communities,” Rohee stated.Fire Prevention Week commenced on Sunday and this is the 35th occasion that it is being observed.This year’s theme is Fire Prevention Needs Everyone’s Attention.The Home Affairs Minister noted that the lives of human beings depend to a great extent on the use of fire everyday; whether for the preparation of meals or in the form of energy to run machines and factories.When used in ways to provide the basic necessities of life, fire is a good and valued servant.However, he pointed out that when fire gets out of control, the consequences can be disastrous.“With every fire, there is a direct and indirect impact on both the social and economic life of the people and country. Our country can ill afford the indelible mark such fires place on our economy,” Rohee said.During the past, messages such as “Be Alert, Prevent Fires and Reduce Fire Loss” and “Contribute Towards National Development Through Fire Prevention”, were used by the Fire Department to influence a higher level of fire consciousness.Rohee said that this year’s theme seeks to involve a wider cross section of our population as the Guyana Fire Service expands its educational programmes on the airwaves and in the regions during this week.“The theme for this year’s Fire Prevention Week is very appropriate since the country is now experiencing the ‘El Nino’ weather pattern. During this dry spell, there has been an increase in the number of grass/bush fires, which often occur through spontaneous ignition or deliberate setting by a few who show no regard for the wellbeing of others,” Minister Rohee informed.He added that while Guyana has made great strides in promoting Fire Prevention over the years, there is more work to be done.Through its budgetary allocation from the Government, the Guyana Fire Service is in the process of strengthening its response capability by the procurement of additional response fire tenders and equipment, exposing its ranks to more training and expanding its services to other outlying regions.At a recent press conference, the Minister had expressed his support for the construction of a fire station on the East Coast of Demerara, where a significant number of properties have been destroyed.The Minister said that Fire Prevention Week is a timely reminder that fire prevention is everyone’s responsibility.“It is a task we must all share and (we must all) strive to do all we can to prevent destructive fires,” the Minister said. |
