KINGSTON, Jamaica – Commissioner of the Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB), Stewart Beckford, says there has been a noticeable reduction in the number of complaints from citizens regarding the Brigade’s response time.

He noted that the acquisition of new fire units has increased the JFB’s capacity and response to emergencies.

“We procured and received 30 brand-new fire trucks in 2021, and those would have served us well over the last two years. So, we would have seen a significant reduction in the complaints that we would have been receiving in that regard,” said Commissioner Beckford.

In highlighting factors that often impact the response time of the JFB, Commissioner Beckford said that motorists sometimes refuse to give way to fire trucks.

“The reality is that we operate in an environment where we still have indiscipline on the roads. Our fire trucks are huge; they are not cars that can bob and weave their way through thick traffic in our town centres,” he pointed out.

In addition, he said that most fire stations are not located near housing developments, as the original concept was to protect commercial interests.

“Hanover is a good example; we have one fire station that is located in the capital Lucea, but there are other communities that are some distance away and have significant infrastructure development taking place over time,” he pointed out.

“What we are seeking to do is to expand our fire stations into areas where there are none now,” Commissioner Beckford said.

He noted, further, that the JFB is working to adapt to the changing risk profile of various parishes across the island.

“We are well on our way to doing that through the recruitment of new firefighters, the purchase of additional fire units and, of course, most critically, the expansion of our fire stations,” the commissioner said, noting that a new station will soon be built in Ulster Spring, Trelawny.

He noted that the additional fire stations will improve the JFB’s response time, particularly in rural areas.

The JFB commissioner said the standard response time within the Corporate Area is 10 minutes.

-JIS