The B Division of the Guyana Fire Service, which spans Regions Five and Six, on Friday hosted an award ceremony and luncheon in honour of its 170 ranks, with more than 20 firefighters recognised for their dedication, professionalism, and commitment beyond the call of duty during 2025.
In his address, Divisional Fire Officer Clive McDonald reported that the division responded to 418 fires for the year. Of these, 227 were grass fires, 82 involved buildings, while the remainder were categorised as minor incidents.
McDonald further revealed that deliberate and malicious fires topped the list of causes for 2025, with 25 and 41 cases, respectively. He noted that 118 persons were rendered homeless, representing a significant reduction compared to last year, a decline he attributed to the division’s intensified fire prevention efforts and public education campaigns.
Highlighting the division’s outreach and preventative work, McDonald stated “We issued 812 safety certificates, inspected 529 government and private buildings, conducted five children’s camps, reaching 245 children, and distributed more than 300 fire balls, primarily to government agencies and other organisations. Every achievement we celebrate today, every goal met, every citizen served, and every improvement made happened because of the hard work, creativity, and teamwork of our firefighters. No strategy or plan works without the dedication of the employees who bring it to life, and you did exactly that.”
Looking ahead, the Divisional Fire Officer said the division’s future direction will be guided by three key pillars, training, commitment, and discipline. He added that this vision aligns with clear national goals outlined by President Dr Irfaan Ali, the creation of new opportunities, and ensuring the right team is in place to achieve them.
The ceremony concluded with awardees receiving certificates and gifts in recognition of their outstanding service.
