All fire tenders have water when responding to fires- Fire Chief

Every time the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) receives a call, each tender dispatched to an emergency is always fully equipped with water, but the resource runs out quickly, Fire Chief (ag), Gregory Wickham said on Tuesday.

Each tender can carry 450 gallons of water.

“Yes, all fire tenders do have water in them,” Wickham said while speaking during an episode of the “Safeguarding Our Nation” programme.

Wickham explained that the Fire Service is always ready to respond to calls of distress, whether it’s a fire-related matter or a medical emergency where an ambulance is required.

In cases of fire, Wickham said fire tenders must be filled with water before responding to an emergency.

However, he noted that depending on the situation, the water may run out, and firefighters will draw additional supply from mains, canals, or hydrants.

“We always turn up and we always have our tanks supply ready to respond,” Wickham said.

Wickham explained that alongside emergency response, the Fire Service has placed a strong emphasis on fire prevention and safety, ensuring citizens know how to protect their properties in the event of a fire.

Currently, the Guyana Fire Service operates 22 fire stations across the country, with six more under construction to enhance response times.

Over the years, he said, the government has invested $9 billion to strengthen the service, providing tenders, modern equipment, and infrastructure.

This includes 40 pickup-type tenders and the training of auxiliary teams to assist in hard-to-reach communities.