Acting Fire Chief Encourages Businesses and Households to Invest in Fire Extinguishers

Basseterre, St. Kitts, May 05, 2021 (SKNIS): Businesses and households in St. Kitts and Nevis are encouraged to have fire extinguishers on hand at all times to safeguard lives and property.

Members of St. Kitts and Nevis Fire and Rescue Services (SKNFRS) regularly tout the usefulness of fire extinguishers and have conducted several practical demonstrations on the proper use of the firefighting tool.

Garfield Hodge, Acting Fire Chief of the SKNFRS, used his national address to commemorate International Firefighters’ Day on Tuesday, May 04, 2021, to reiterate the need for fire safety measures.

“We urge all, business establishments, institutions, and residential homes, to invest in the procurement of a fire extinguisher or extinguishers because this seemingly simple device can save lives, limbs, properties, and economies,” he stated.

Acting Fire Chief Hodge added that fire is better prevented than extinguished to avert potential loss of life and property.

“Such losses leave families bereaved, properties destroyed, and economies disrupted,” he said, noting that the department’s Fire Prevention Unit will continue to engage with all stakeholders to raise awareness about fire safety and prevention.

Mr. Hodge commended the men and women in the agency for their dedication to prevent fires. He also thanked the Ministry of National Security, and the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis for increases in the budget that has enabled the agency to achieve its goals.