The Guyana Fire Service (GFS) is encouraging safer use of electricity after it recorded a 17 percent increase in external electrical fires, GINA said.
Fire Chief Marlon Gentle told the Government Information Agency (GINA) that thus far for the year, 135 external electrical fires have been recorded as opposed to 115 for the same period last year.
“We’re still at the stage where persons are using drop cords or two or three households sharing the same power which is somewhat illegal also,” Gentle pointed out. The Fire Chief further explained that many of these types of fires are occurring in newly developed communities such as Parfait Harmonie, Diamond, and in the Cummings Lodge area
The Fire Chief urged the safe use of electricity. “If you need to use electricity use it correctly, use it properly. Have a hired certified electrician do your electrical installations,” Gentle implored.
Meanwhile, the GFS has recorded a decline in malicious fires and damage to buildings. Gentle told GINA that there is a six percent decrease in malicious setting of fires and 10 percent decrease in buildings being affected by fires.
