The vehicles, which were acquired at a cost of $130M from British manufacturers, Angloco, were formally handed over to the Guyana Fire Service during a brief ceremony at the National Park, Thomas Lands, Georgetown.

Angloco's Customer Service Manager, Mr. David Bramfitt said the vehicles were built to specifications that will be compatible with local firefighting requirements.

Bramfitt explained that the vehicles carry some 4500 litres of water which make them capable of fighting a fire for up to 45 minutes.

They are also equipped with large monitors on the roof which makes them capable of fighting fires on a shorter term but on a larger scale, he said.

In addition, the vehicles carry a cross section of rescue equipment that include facilities for road traffic accident rescues.

Angloco has sent a representative to Guyana to train local firefighters on the use of the vehicles and their accessories.

Chief Fire Officer, Mr. Carlyle Washington said the fire tenders, because of their design, would be stationed at the Fire Service Headquarters, Stabroek, Georgetown and operate mainly in the urban centre.

He said the other, smaller tenders which were being used before will be dispatched to other locations in sub-urban and rural areas where they would be able to better operate.

Minister of Home Affairs, Mr. Ronald Gajraj, in remarks at the commissioning, said he was particularly pleased that the Fire Service’s fleet of vehicles has increased.

He said the Government is looking at expanding the Fire Service into areas in the country that have never before had the benefit of such a service.

The Minister noted that many fire officers have been able to benefit from training abroad and the Government will continue to expand on that front. He said the focus must be on fire prevention rather than firefighting.

However, that does not mean that the emphasis on firefighting should be downplayed as it is important that people's lives are saved during the time of such emergency, the Minister pointed out.

"While we emphasise our focus on fire prevention and aggressively pursue that course, we must at the same time equip ourselves to deal with any eventuality that may arise", Gajraj explained.

The Home Affairs Minister said the Government sees the need to continue to improve the Fire Service, not only with appliances and equipment, but with personnel as well.

He said that recently approval was given for an increase of the human resources of the Fire Service and the Service is currently pursuing that course.