High Rise Buildings Out of Fire Fighters’ Reach

Concerns have been raised regarding firefighters’ ability to effectively fight fires on high-rise buildings. The issue being the length of the firefighters’ equipment versus the buildings themselves. Is the fire brigade equipped to deal with a fire on high-rise buildings?

Assistant Superintendent at the Jamaica Fire Brigade, Damion Johnson says yes, but only buildings that stretch up to eight or nine floors. He notes, buildings any higher are expected to be equipped with firefighting apparatuses such as sprinkler systems. 

Adding buildings are inspected at least once a year to ensure they meet the fire safety standards. Buildings that meet the standard are so recognized with a certificate. 

However, he notes the biggest hindrance facing the fire brigade, is accessing the property in time to extinguish the fire.

Meanwhile, Chief Engineering Officer at the Kingston and St. Andrew Municipal Corporation, (KSAMC) Xavier Chevannes, says modern-styled buildings are being constructed to extinguish fires all on their own.

Adding, fire suppression systems and fire hydrants are located at the front of these buildings to aid firefighters, should the need arise.

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