PARAMARIBO — “The fire brigade is currently struggling with limited availability of personnel and equipment. A number of fire engines are defective or can no longer be deployed.” The Ministry of Justice and Security reports this in a statement calling on the community to be “extra careful with fire and other possible causes of fire” in the coming period.
Justice and Security announces that financial resources have been released for the repair of the vehicles that can still be repaired. The necessary parts are also supplied from abroad. “The ministry is working to further strengthen the fire brigade with additional firefighting vehicles as quickly as possible, so that operational capacity can be increased.” Appreciation is expressed for the fire brigade personnel who, despite limited resources and high workload, continue to work daily for the safety and protection of society.
Consideration
It is stated that “the persistent heat, high temperatures and strong sunshine, in combination with dry conditions and the influence of the El Niño phenomenon” increase the risk of fires starting and spreading rapidly. “In recent times, the fire brigade has had to deal with a sharp increase in grass fires. In several cases, these fires have spread quickly and spread to homes and other buildings. As a result, the fire brigade is faced with the challenge of responding in several places almost simultaneously.”
In the event of multiple simultaneous fire reports, the fire brigade will make an assessment based on the severity and risk, according to Justice and Security. “When there is a house fire or danger to human life, this is given priority over a grass fire. However, grass fires continue to pose a serious risk because they can spread quickly in dry and windy conditions,” it warns.
Extra alert
That is why an urgent appeal is made to the community to be “extra alert”, especially in October and November. “Avoid burning waste, grass and other materials in the open air and do not leave flammable materials in the immediate vicinity of homes and other buildings. “Preventing fire is a shared responsibility. The ministry asks everyone to deal with fire alertly and responsibly.”
It is indicated that the situation in Ornamibo is receiving “special attention”. Several fires occurred there within a short period of time. Justice and Security is working together with Public Works and Spatial Planning and Public Green and Waste Management on measures to tackle the situation and limit the fire risk.
