From 5 to 22 fire stations: Wickham details Guyana Fire Service progress, public challenges
Chief Fire Officer Gregory Wickham, appearing on Episode Eight of Safeguarding Our Nation, provided a comprehensive overview of the advancements made by the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) under his leadership. Throughout the discussion, Wickham emphasised not only the growing national capacity of the GFS but also the urgent need for public cooperation—particularly in curbing the alarming increase in prank calls to emergency lines. His insights reveal both the progress made and the ongoing challenges facing the nation’s firefighting and emergency response efforts. Wickham began by highlighting the transformational growth of the GFS, noting that in the early 1990s, Guyana had only five fire stations. Today, that number has risen to 22, with new stations recently commissioned in Mahdia (Region 8), Lethem (Region 9), and Mabaruma (Region 1). He emphasised that this expansion is far from over, as six more stations are under construction in various regions, including Onderneeming, Charity, Wismar, Parika, Mahaicony, and along the Soesdyke Highway. Wickham explained that this growth is part of a deliberate strategy to ensure timely emergency response across all parts of the country, especially in remote and vulnerable communities. On the podcast, Wickham credited the government for its robust financial support of the fire sector, reporting a GYD 9 billion investment toward strengthening the service. According to him, these funds have been used to procure fire tenders, upgrade firefighting equipment, and improve the infrastructure of fire stations to provide better living and working conditions for personnel. Wickham reassured the public that all fire tenders are fully equipped and carry 450 gallons of water. However, he clarified that due to the intensity of firefighting, this supply lasts only a few minutes, making access to backup sources such as canals, hydrants, and open water critical. Wickham also used the platform to explain how improvements in infrastructure have been complemented by enhancements in emergency medical services. So far this year, he stated, the GFS has responded to over 4,300 emergency medical calls, including the successful delivery of five babies. He stressed that the service treats each response with urgency and professionalism. Nevertheless, Wickham issued a serious warning about the growing misuse of the 912 emergency line, revealing that two-thirds of all calls received are pranks. This, he noted, poses a major threat to public safety by delaying responses to real emergencies and wasting valuable resources. He appealed directly to those responsible, urging them to consider the consequences should their own homes or communities ever need immediate assistance. Reflecting on past tragedies, Wickham revisited the devastating Mahdia Secondary School dormitory fire in 2023, which resulted in the deaths of 20 children. He acknowledged that the incident left a lasting impact on the Service and confirmed that it led to a series of reforms. Since then, under Wickham’s direction, the GFS has adopted a more proactive approach to fire prevention. Fire officers now routinely inspect schools and dormitories, train staff and dorm leaders, and engage communities in fire safety education. He emphasized that these efforts are aimed not only at minimizing risk but at cultivating a culture of preparedness that can save lives. During the programme, Wickham also discussed the continued challenges faced by firefighters in the field. These include the public’s failure to yield to emergency vehicles, blocked roadways caused by construction materials, and residential buildings that are heavily grilled, making access difficult during emergencies. He pointed out that some individuals even damage fire service equipment or ignore the sound of approaching sirens, all of which can hinder rescue operations. Wickham urged citizens to be more mindful and cooperative, reminding listeners that successful emergency response depends on public awareness and participation.
