The government has allocated just over $6 million for improvements to the Royal Bahamas Police Fire Services' technology and infrastructure, Minister of National Security Tommy Turnquest announced yesterday.
Turnquest, who officially opened Fire Safety Awareness Week at the Mall at Marathon, said approximately $2.2 million has been allocated in the police's budget this fiscal year for fire-fighting appliances and trucks.
Additionally, he said $1 million has been provided in the capital budget of the Ministry of Public Works and Transport for the construction of a Fire Station in Grand Bahama.
And the government is investing just under $3 million in an "enhanced 919 system that is critical in providing immediate emergency services to citizens, residents and visitors in need".
The government will sign a contract for the 919 system tomorrow.
"As the Fire Branch meets the challenges of an ever evolving security environment, you can be assured that the government's support and commitment to our firefighters will never be compromised as they continue to secure and preserve the safety of our nation," the minister added.
Eighteen people have died as a result of fires in the past nine and a half months -- eight more than the number of people killed by fire during 2010.

Turnquest said it's important to be proactive and not reactive.  "A most unfortunate and heart-wrenching result of not having a contingency fire plan occurred on May 11, when four young, innocent souls lost their lives in the eastern district of New Providence," he said.
"That incident underscored the need for us to get the message of fire safety out, and the fact that the awareness must be ongoing. Parents and guardians are encouraged to have home safety drills with the entire family at least twice a year so that every family member will never doubt, and will always be aware of ways to escape from a fire."
Director of Fire Services Superintendent Jeffrey Deleveaux agreed with the minister.
He said even if parents are leaving the house for five minutes, it is important that children know what to do in the case of an emergency.
Deleveaux confirmed that seven men, four women, three boys and four girls died by fire so far this year.
According to fire statistics, 1,519 fires were reported between January and mid-September.  That is 239 fewer calls than were recorded in the entire 2010.
Of the fires recorded, there were several major fires, resulting in more than $20 million in damage, according to authorities.
Police said they have determined that at least 129 of the fires recorded so far this year have been the result of arson.
Deleveaux stressed the importance of fire safety and encouraged Bahamians to take part in this week's activities.
Safety demonstrations will continue at the Mall at Marathon for the remainder of the week.
*Check our online gallery for images of Fire Safety Week

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