Latest update April 17th, 2025 9:50 AM
Hinterland Fire Protection Plan to roll out by year end
As the interior regions continue to see massive growth and development with businesses growing, many will agree that there is also the need for proper safety measures to be in place. Hence the Hinterland Fire Protection Plan is moving apace to realize the dream of business owners as well as residents of the many Hinterland communities.
Fire Chief of the Guyana Prison Service Marlon Gentle
This is, according to Fire Chief Marlon Gentle. Gentle said that already the Fire Service has ordered the necessary equipment which will be needed to start up operations in several hinterland communities which will be given priority.
The first phase of the Hinterland Fire Protection Plan is expected to roll out by the end of this year. Gentle said the need for such plan was always being considered but the idea was given a further push with the Mahdia fire which saw millions of dollars going up in flames.
The equipment has been sourced from a company in England which has been providing fire tenders and other firefighting equipment for the past several years.
Gentle explained that some of the equipment which were been ordered include All Terrain Fire Tenders and potable pumps which can be carried on trailers or in boats.
He further noted that the locations that will be given priority include Port Kaituma, Kumaka, Moruka, Mabaruma, Lethem, Mahdia and Kwakwani.
Speaking on the issue of human resources, Gentle said that these initiatives will be jointly executed by the Fire Service as well as residents of the respected communities.
“We will have a system similar to one that was established in Bartica. We will engage interested residents in the basic firefighting skills, so in the event of a fire or any other disaster they will be able to respond and respond promptly,”.
Prior to the opening of the $17M Bartica Fire Station, the community had embarked on an initiative with the fire service. This service provided prompt response to fire in the area and other surrounding communities. In one instance, the group of volunteers with their equipment saved a building from destruction by fire.
“The mining sectors as well as other businesses are growing in our interior regions and the various stakeholders have expressed their interest in the initiative to protect their assets as well as the desire to work with us,” Gentle lamented.
In recent years, the service has expanded tremendously from five stations to 14 stations across the country, all of which have recorded an upsurge in activity.
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