Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee says the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) is currently strengthening its response capacity through the procurement of additional fire tenders and equipment and training for its staff.

According to a Government Information agency (GINA) press release Rohee made these comments in his message on the 35th anniversary celebrations of Fire Prevention Week which started on Sunday and will be held until Saturday. The minister said the GFS will also be expanding its services to outlying areas.

The release said for the year so far, about 109 buildings have been destroyed by fire and 38 have been severely damaged. Nine persons died and 218 were left homeless.