11 Per Cent Increase in Operational Fire Hydrants Nationwide

The Ministry of Local Government and Community Development has reported an 11 per cent increase in the number of operational fire hydrants nationwide as of December 31, 2025.

Portfolio Minister, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, made the disclosure on March 6 while responding to questions during a meeting of the Standing Finance Committee of the House of Representatives at Gordon House where members were reviewing the 2026/27 Estimates of Expenditure.

He noted that, as of December 31, there were 16,161 operational hydrants islandwide, representing 78 per cent of the total complement.

“This shows an increase of… 11 per cent, when compared to 14,000 reported at the end of 2024,” Mr. McKenzie said.

The Minister noted that there has also been an increase in the overall number of hydrants nationwide.

As of December 31, there were 20,536 hydrants nationwide, compared to 20,151 at the end of 2024, representing a two per cent increase.

“It is to be noted that a total of 385 new hydrants were installed in 2025,” Mr. McKenzie told the Committee.

He emphasised that the fire hydrants’ maintenance is an ongoing process managed by the Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB).

In response to questions regarding the installation of new fire hydrants to meet the needs of growing communities and, in particular, high-rise buildings, Mr. McKenzie explained that this forms part of the development approval process, under which assessments must be undertaken by the JFB before approvals are granted.

“Earlier [last] week we were discussing with the Brigade the whole question of earthquakes and the amount of high-rise buildings going up across the country, and the safety features around fire prevention. I want to give the assurance that the Brigade has been working with the Municipal Corporations and the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) when it comes to the installation and inspections of fire hydrants,” the Minister outlined.

Meanwhile, Mr. McKenzie emphasised that the Government continues to invest in critical equipment and resources for the JFB.

He pointed out that in 2025/26, the JFB received 250 sets of bunker gear valued approximately $124 million, along with more than $10 million worth of fire hoses.

Additionally, industrial washing machines and solar water heaters were installed to facilitate the cleaning of gear.

Minister McKenzie added that, in 2026/27, the Government will seek to procure additional equipment, including 200 sets of bunker gear valued over $116 million; 10 self-contained breathing apparatuses, costing $16.5 million; 45 self-contained apparatus cylinders at $17 million; four structural ramps, and emergency medical services (EMS) equipment valued more than $4 million.