JFB To Get 400 Pieces Of Protective Clothing

The Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) will be getting 400 pieces of protective clothing (bunker gear) to bolster the capacity of firefighters to adequately respond to emergencies.

Cabinet has approved the award of a US$1-million contract for the supply of the gear for the firefighters. The contract has been awarded to Bell Safety.

This was disclosed by Minister without Portfolio with responsibility for Education, Youth and Information, Hon. Karl Samuda, at yesterday’s (November 6) post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House.

The JFB is an agency of the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development.

The role of the Jamaica Fire Brigade is to protect life and property from fire or other disasters within the island and its territorial seas.

This role translates into the specific duties of: extinguishing fires, protecting life and property endangered by fire or other disasters, obtaining information with regard to potential risks from fire or other disasters, inspecting buildings to ensure that reasonable steps are taken for the prevention of fire and for protection against the dangers of fire or other disasters.

The agency also makes arrangements to ensure that reasonable steps are taken to prevent or mitigate loss or injury arising from fire or other disasters, and carrying out other functions for the purpose of preventing or mitigating risks or danger to life and property as the Minister may, by Order, require the Fire Brigade to undertake from time to time.