An expansion of the fire-fighting capacity in the Region Eight town of Mahdia came up for discussion on Friday.
According to a release from the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Fire Advisory Board conducted a comprehensive outreach programme in the town as part of the Fire Prevention Month activities.
Mahdia was the scene of a major dormitory fire in 2023 that claimed the lives of 20 children. A subsequent Commission of Inquiry (CoI) had strongly criticized the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) over its preparedness. There was no mention of the Mahdia fire in yesterday release.
The ministry’s release said that the first phase of the activities took place at the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) Boardroom and brought together key community leaders, including the Mayor, Eslyn Hussein; Regional Executive Officer, Peter Ramotar; Guyana Fire Service Divisional Officer, Region 8, Ryan Scott; and Superintendent Marlon Taylor, Commander of Regional Division 8, together with representatives from various government organisations and business owners.
The meeting focused on the fire safety concerns of the region, with a particular emphasis on the challenges associated with water infrastructure and the emergency response capabilities.
“The community’s fire preparedness was the subject of productive discussions among stakeholders, which included the development of strategic plans for the placement of water reservoirs and the expansion of volunteer firefighters’ training programmes. The participants provided valuable insights and recommendations, emphasising specific areas that necessitate immediate attention and enhancement”, the release said.
Stephen Williams, a government electrical inspector and board member, delivered a presentation that concentrated on the importance of critical electrical safety measures. The release said that Williams underscored the severe risks associated with common electrical hazards, including circuit overload, equipment incompatibility, and unauthorised system modifications. The presentation highlighted the critical role of regular inspections and proper installations in the prevention of electrical fires, particularly in buildings with high occupancy rates.
Following the formal session, the board members engaged in an outreach in the business district.
The team provided practical safety guidance to local business owners, in addition to distributing essential fire safety equipment, such as brochures, smoke detectors, and fire extinguisher balls.
The CoI report in January this year had said that said that Sub Officer Ryan Scott’s report had set out a list of deficiencies associated with the Mahdia dormitory. It stated that for the dormitory buildings, there was a complete absence of any fire prevention system.
“Accordingly, there was no fire alarm system, no fire detection system, no exit signs and no smoke detection system. The report also highlighted that there were only three (3) fire extinguishers provided in the buildings and grills were seen on all the windows.
The report went on to provide a list of twelve (12) requirements/recommendations to address fire prevention at the facility. These included: – 1. A suitable fire alarm system which can give sufficient audible warning throughout the premises must be provided. 2. All final exits (doors) must be constructed to open outwards along the line of exit travel. 3. Suitable exit signs red in colour on white background not less than 100mm in height, must be conspicuously displayed over all final exits. 4. Precise instructions with actions to be taken in the event of a fire must be prominently displayed on the walls throughout the building. 5. Suitable storage facilities (racks, shelves, cupboards, etc.) must be provided for all items. They must be constructed or situated in such a way that allows free and adequate passageway to be maintained. 6. All items stored in the building must be neatly arranged leaving a minimum clearance of at least 30cm from ceiling level and 15cm in any other direction. 7. No fuel must be stored on the premises without permission from this department. 8. A high standard of housekeeping must be maintained throughout the building at all times. 9. Grills must be removed from all windows immediately. 10. Six (6) fire extinguishers along with six (6) smoke detectors must be provided and all Fire Extinguishers must be hung on brackets with their handles 1.4m from floor level to facilitate handling by persons of any height. 11. Efforts must be made for all staff to be trained in the use and operation of firefighting equipment (fire extinguishers) and evacuation procedures. 12. Hydrants must be installed”, the CoI report said.
