Fines under the Country Fires Act are to be revised as part of measures to stem increasing incidents of bush fires islandwide, resulting from human activity. This was disclosed by Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, during a press briefing on Thursday (March 9) at the Ministry in Kingston. Mr. McKenzie expressed concern about the increase...

The Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development is providing $60 million to improve access to potable water for residents in several communities across the island that are being severely impacted by the current dry conditions. Portfolio Minister, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, in making the disclosure, said that the sum is in addition to the $100 million recently announced by Prime...

Electric vehicle (EV) importers are being encouraged to partner with the Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB), in training and sensitising firefighters on how to treat with fires occurring in these vehicles. JFB Commissioner, Stewart Beckford, told JIS News that the importers can provide some guidance, as the JFB continues to take active steps to adequately prepare all firefighters for these types...

The number of bush fires recorded in Jamaica has more than tripled for the month of February, when compared to the corresponding period last year. Commissioner of the Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB), Stewart Beckford, told JIS News that firefighters responded to 1,303 reports of bush fires last month, which represents a 224 per cent increase over the 402 recorded last...

The Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) is reporting a 43 per cent reduction in the number of fire-related deaths. JFB Commissioner, Stewart Beckford, told JIS News that 24 persons perished in fires in 2022, compared to 42 the previous year. “Regrettably… there were 17 adults and seven children who perished in fires. While one death is too many, we consider it...

Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie (left), in discussion with Japan’s Ambassador to Jamaica, His Excellency Yasuhiro Atsumi, during a courtesy call at the Ministry’s Hagley Park Road offices in Kingston, on Tuesday (March 7).

The Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) conducted thousands of routine building inspections during the 2022 calendar year, to ensure conformity with fire prevention regulations. A total of 7,795 buildings were examined by the Fire Prevention Department, representing a 16 per cent increase over the 6,718 structures inspected the previous year. Additionally, 2,021 buildings were certified last year, which is 447 more...

The Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) has reported an increase in the number of emergency calls responded to in 2022, when compared to the previous year. “Our overall responses totalled 16,696… an increase of 304 or two per cent,” said Commissioner, JFB, Stewart Beckford, during an interview with JIS News. Of the total number of calls received, 7,756 were genuine fire...

Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) Commissioner, Stewart Beckford, says several activities have been undertaken to safeguard firefighters and adequately equip them to execute their duties. He told JIS News that 130 sets of bunker gears and 150 pairs of firefighting gloves were procured in 2022. Bunker gear is the personal protective equipment (PPE) worn by firefighters. Commissioner Beckford informed that the...