JFB TO INTENSIFY PUBLIC EDUCATION ON FIRE PREVENTION AND SAFETY
KINGSTON, October 21 (JIS):
The Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) will intensify its public education efforts on fire prevention and safety during Fire and Life Safety Awareness Week 2026, slated for Sunday, October 25 to Saturday, October 31.
The Week will be observed under the theme ‘Safe Homes, Safe Communities: The Power of Prevention’.
Speaking at the official media launch at the JFB Headquarters in Kingston on October 21, Commissioner, JFB, Stewart Beckford, underscored the importance of the theme.
“This theme is not just a slogan. It is a formula for saving lives. A safe community is built in our homes through deliberate action, vigilance, and prevention because the sobering reality is that we have lost too many Jamaicans to the ravages of fires,” he said.
Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner in charge of Fire Safety, Prevention and Investigation at the JFB, Kevin Haughton, outlined several activities planned for the Week.
“This year’s observance will feature a series of activities designed to engage the public, strengthen community partnerships, promote fire prevention, and demonstrate the Jamaica Fire Brigade’s commitment to protecting lives and property,” said Mr. Haughton.
He indicated that the Week will commence with a National Church Service at the International Worship Centre in Mt. Salem, Montego Bay, St. James, beginning at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, October 25.
This will be followed by the publication of an eight-page newspaper supplement on Monday, October 26, highlighting fire and life-safety information, the work of the Brigade and practical measures that individuals, families and businesses can take to reduce fire risks.
Deputy Commissioner Haughton further informed that a major highlight of the observance will be four regional fire and life safety expositions, where members of the public will have opportunities to interact directly with firefighters, observe practical demonstrations and learn about fire prevention.
The Area 4 Expo will be held on Tuesday, October 27 at Independence Park in Savanna-la-Mar, Westmoreland; the Area 2 Expo on Wednesday, October 28 at Claude Stewart Park, Port Maria, St. Mary; the Area 1 Expo on Thursday, October 29 at Emancipation Park in Kingston; and the Area 3 Expo on Friday, October 30 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Linstead, St. Catherine.
Each expo will begin at 10:00 a.m.
“These expositions are particularly important because they allow us to take fire-safety education directly to the people. We want Jamaicans to understand that fire safety is not simply about knowing what to do when a fire starts. It’s about recognising hazards and taking action before an emergency occurs,” said Mr. Haughton.
In addition to the regional expositions, Deputy Commissioner Haughton said the Brigade’s divisions will also undertake community-based activities throughout the Week.
“These engagements will be supported by public education messages through traditional and social media platforms. Our emphasis will be on practical fire-prevention measures, including electrical safety, safe cooking practices, the importance of smoke alarms, emergency preparedness, and the development of home fire-safety plans,” he said.