The Ministry of Home Affairs says the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) and the Fire Advisory Board has planned an aggressive campaign this year to reduce and avoid incidences of fire, particularly in the city.

According to a press release, the Board was established in 2006 as part of the requirements of the Fire Prevention Act, Chapter 22:01 of the Laws of Guyana. It comprises nine members from various private and public sector organisations including the Guyana Fire Service, the Guyana National Bureau of Standards, the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Mayor and City Council, the Central Housing and Planning Authority, the Attorney General’s Chamber, the Ex-firemen Association and the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association.

An amendment to this Act was passed in Parliament in November 2009 increasing the board members to 12. Representatives from the Guyana Water Incorporated, the Insurance Association of Guyana and “some other critical agencies” were also appointed to the Board.

The Board is tasked with providing recommendations to the home affairs minister regarding fire safety/fire prevention issues, endorsing training, prevention and public education activities on fire safety; coordinating the exchange of information among individuals and organisations interested in fire safety; considering and pronouncing on appeals made by property owners/occupiers regarding fire prevention and facilitating the participation and support of the private sector and other interested groups in fire prevention and safety.

The GFS is expected to inspect buildings and make recommendations regarding fire prevention in a written report which it is expected to submit, within a reasonable timeframe to property owner/occupier. If the recommendations are not competed within a stipulated timeframe, the GFS can institute daily monetary penalties for each day of non-compliance after the deadline against the property owner/occupier.

According to the release, the National Assembly recently agreed to increase these fines and the new sums are expected to be implemented shortly. Owners or occupiers who disagree with the recommendations can appeal them with the Board.

Appeals must be submitted to Gordon D Smith, Secretary of the Board at the ministry’s Brickdam office. They also can seek further recourse with the minister if they disagree with the Board’s pronouncements. The Board met for the first time this year in February.