Fire Prevention Unit reports significant drop in fire incidents

0
131
front 4 fire prevention 1
Inspector Evette Henry, Head of Fire Prevention Unit
- Advertisement -

By Kisean Joseph

[email protected]

The Fire Department’s Prevention Unit (FDPU) has reported a success rate in the reduction of fire incidents across the island, with business fires dropping by 65 percent in 2024 compared to the previous year.

This achievement comes as part of a comprehensive fire safety strategy implemented under the Head of the Fire Prevention Unit, Inspector Evette Henry.

“Fire safety and prevention are everybody’s business,” Henry said while reflecting on the unit’s evolution since its establishment in 2009. The unit, which operates on three key pillars – education, engineering, and enforcement – has transformed from an emerging department into a crucial component of community safety.

She shared that her perspective on fire prevention is deeply personal, based on an incident encountered while fighting a fire.

“I still to this day suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder because of a death I saw at a fire,” the inspector said. “This drives our commitment to prevention rather than just response,” she said.

The unit has implemented a community support initiative that it launched in 2023.

“We established a program to solicit donations for fire victims who have lost their possessions.  When you have a fire, you often have nothing but the clothes on your back. Our program provides immediate assistance with clothing and essential items, offering both practical support and hope during a distressing time,” Henry noted.

Therefore, education forms a cornerstone of the unit’s prevention strategy with regular training sessions being conducted at hotels, schools, churches, airlines, banks, and other organizations. In addition, a more comprehensive fire safety program for primary and secondary schools is set to launch soon, as part of the unit’s commitment to youth education, she added.

“Teaching fire prevention to school children is crucial. When children learn fire safety, they become ambassadors, sharing this knowledge with their parents, siblings, friends, and peers. We make the learning process interactive and engaging through activities, games, and role-playing,” Inspector Henry added.

The FDPU’s responsibilities extend beyond education and training. They include regular fire safety inspections, review of commercial building plans, and ensuring compliance with safety codes and regulations.

The unit also manages the permit system for controlled fires.

“Anyone planning bonfires, fireworks, or even burning bush in their yard, must obtain a fire permit. Operating without one can result in a $3,000 fine or six months imprisonment upon conviction,” the Fire Prevention head said.

Meanwhile, the unit’s efforts have yielded impressive results. Besides the dramatic decrease in business fires, residential fires dropped by 26 percent in 2024 compared to 18 percent in 2023. Overall, the department achieved an 18 percent reduction in fire incidents.

“While we set a benchmark of 30 percent, we’re thankful for the 18 percent decrease. It shows we’re making progress, and we’re determined to reach that 30 percent target in 2025.

“Our goal is not just to prevent fires, but to build a culture of safety that protects lives, property, and our environment while fostering community resilience and sustainable development,” Inspector Henry said.

- Advertisement -

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

seven − 5 =