As the Independence and Christmas seasons approach, Chief Fire Officer Chesterfield Mayers is appealing to householders to be more cautious around the home.
"So far for the year we have responded to 2 050 fires as compared with 1 360 for the same period ending September last year.
"This is a 50 per cent increase in all fires . . . . I therefore make the appeal to those of you in this audience and in the wider community to assist us in reducing the high number of fires," he said.
His appeal came at the thanksgiving service at Bethel Methodist Church yesterday to end the service's 50th anniversary celebrations.
Mayers said there was a great impact on dwelling houses because the loss was not only structural, but people lost their lives, valuable possessions and were displaced.
Seventy-seven house fires have been recorded so far for the year, compared with 72 for the same time last year.
"It is significant that every time a house goes up in smoke the endless loss and economic impact is generally more," he said.
"I make a further appeal to all citizens to exercise great care and caution when using naked and open flames in and around the home. I urge you to pay more attention and give better supervision to the elderly.
"Pay more attention to your own personal behaviour and act responsibly when you are tired and have the habit of sleeping.
"Do not take things for granted and become complacent and end up causing hurt to yourself or others," Mayers said.
The Fire Service responded to 102 fires last month alone, and up to the end of August there were 1 948 fires.
Mayers gave the statistics - up to the end of September - for grass fires, their primary area of concern, which increased by 105.8 per cent, moving from 496 to 1 021; cane fires were up to 206 from 124; rubbish fires up to 238 from 210 [and] false alarms up to 320.
"These types of fires place tremendous strain on our resources and our ability to be effective in other areas," he added.
Commercial fires were down ten per cent. |