The Guyana Fire Service (GFS) has taken fire prevention to people’s homes, launching a nationwide house-to-house campaign that Fire Chief, Gregory Wickham says is already helping to drive down the number of fires across the country.
In a recent interview with the News Room, Wickham revealed that firefighters are now visiting communities and engaging residents directly as part of a new hands-on strategy aimed at prevent fires.
The move comes as the Fire Service recorded 2,267 fire calls in 2025, a dramatic decline from the 3,461 calls reported in 2024- a reduction of nearly 1,200 incidents.
According to Wickham, the improved figures reflect a shift toward targeted interventions, including more inspections, expanded community outreaches and direct household engagement.
“We want to reach the people to give them that emergency service when needed,” Wickham said.
He explained that ranks are going beyond station walls and into neighbourhoods, where they are advising residents on common fire hazards and practical steps they can take during an emergency.
“We are going, engaging the householders, advising them what to look for, if there is a fire what they can do to stop it and even whilst they are calling the fire service, they themselves can do something to stop the spread of fires,” Wickham told the News Room.
Community engagement is now being strengthened at all fire stations, with education forming a central part of the Service’s prevention strategy.
Wickham said this public involvement is proving crucial in limiting damage and saving lives.
As part of the outreach effort, the Fire Service has also been distributing fireballs in communities. Fireballs are fire suppression devices that can help contain small fires before they escalate. The initiative, he said, allows residents to play a more active role in protecting their homes.
“Every property saved, every life saved from destruction of fire adds to the benefit of our nation and so we want to implore on you to continue to support the fire service as we see greater reduction in fire causes and even destructions by fires,” Wickham said.
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