Fire Service tests new firefighting equipment

Over 60 ranks and officers from the Guyana Fire Service were on Sunday involved in an operation designed to better prepare and boost their efforts in fighting fires in Georgetown.

The operation “Get Ready” was carried out from John Fernandes Wharf to Robb Street in Georgetown.

“The effort is to test both the readiness and functionality of equipment…also the engagement of the crews and the management,” Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn said.

The Fire Service also tested seven new tenders recently acquired from the government. The operation included a 75- feet length hose carrying water from the Demerara River, a high ladder truck and was also supported by the Fire Service’s boat named The Protector.

The operation was also aimed at testing the Fire Service’s systems for responding to fires.

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The training also included methods to prevent major losses as a result of fire.

Deputy Fire Chief Gregory Wickham welcomed the training and said it would greatly boost their response to fires and other emergencies.

“We are testing out these pieces of equipment. We have employed here today at this operation seven appliances and we are meant to test the strength of them,” Wickham explained.

The Fire Service earlier this month received five new fire tenders. The new trucks will be dispatched to Lethem in Region Nine, Mabaruma in Region One, Mahdia in Region Eight, Region Two and to the new fire station in Eccles, East Bank Demerara currently under construction.

Additionally, in March this year four more fire tenders were handed over to the Fire Service.

Fire Chief Kalamadeen Edoo had said that the Service faces challenges mainly at the administrative level and in the provision of service.