Jamaica recorded a 15.6 per cent reduction in fire-related deaths last year.
This was revealed by Commissioner, Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB), Stewart Beckford, during a recent JIS Think Tank, where he shared details of the Brigade’s Emergency Response and Fire Prevention Data for 2024
“The number of fire-related deaths for the period under review was 27, comprising 23 adults and four children. This represents a 15.6 per cent reduction when compared to the previous year where 32 persons perished in fires – 28 adults and four children,” he said.
Among the adult victims, 39 per cent were between the ages of 50 and 64, 26 per cent were 65 to 95 years old, and the remaining 35 per cent were in the age range of 27 to 49 years.
The four children who lost their lives in fires were between the ages of one and eight years.
Beckford noted that while there was a decrease in fire-related deaths, there was a 43 per cent increase in injuries.
“There were 79 such injuries reported last year when compared to the 66 that we had in 2023. Seven children were injured in fires – three males and four females,” he informed.
The fire chief also reported that fewer firefighters were injured in the line of duty last year, with five personnel injured when compared to 18 in 2023.
He further shared that “1,636 persons, including 440 children were made homeless as a result of fires in 2024, when compared to 1,539 persons, including 418 children in 2023”.