77 Residents Trained as Fire-Safety Wardens in St James

The Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) has trained 77 community members across St. James to serve as fire-safety wardens, aiming to reduce fire incidents and enhance emergency response capabilities.

Assistant Superintendent Donovan McLaren of the JFB’s Fire Prevention and Life Safety Unit highlighted that these newly-trained individuals will play a vital role in identifying potential hazards within their communities before professional firefighters can arrive. “We see it [as] very strategic in helping us to reduce the number of fires happening in some of these communities,” he noted.

McLaren emphasized during an interview with JIS News at the James Division Fire Symposium and Graduation Ceremony, held on October 29 at Albion Community Centre in Montego Bay, that residents must take responsibility for fire safety. “Fire safety is your responsibility. I can’t stress enough that you must practise evacuation procedures at home… and at school; you [should] teach your children what to do if there’s a fire,” he advised.

The symposium included firefighting displays, educational booths, and motor-vehicle extrication demonstrations aimed at raising public awareness about emergency preparedness. Assistant Superintendent McLaren also stressed the importance of installing smoke alarms in sleeping areas for early detection and warning during emergencies.