SFRSA records sharp increase in house and electrical fires   |08 February 2024

A five-bedroom house at Anse Aux Pins in flames. The SFRSA recorded a sharp increase in house fire incidents and electrical fires over the past year (Photo: Social media)

The Seychelles Fire and Rescue Services Agency recorded a sharp increase in house fire incidents and electrical fires over the past year.

Although the agency attended to a total of 320 incidents, a slight decrease of 2.41 percent as compared to 2022, the agency attended to 40 building and domestic fires, and 20 electrical fires.

Assistant divisional officer and public relations officer of the Seychelles Fire and Rescue Services Agency (SFRSA) Terence Arnephie yesterday noted that of the 40 building fire incidents, a significant proportion was in domestic dwellings, four of which were completely destroyed by the fires.

The number of domestic fires stood at 17 in 2022, thereby meaning an increase of over 100 percent over the past year. Similarly, only eight incidents of electrical fires were recorded in 2022.

He explained that the condition of some older homes can sometimes lead to electrical faults, but that there are also instances of negligence.

“The SFRSA, for this year will be reaching out to the community, to intensify awareness and education among the general public. In particular, we will be focusing mainly on residences,” Mr Arnephy stated.

In a bid to establish the level of awareness among the population, the SFRSA intends to launch a survey, which will help to guide the awareness campaign. The agency is closely collaborating with partners, including the Property Management Corporation (PMC) and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) in preparation for the campaign.

According to records, there were in total 165 fire-related incidents, namely fires in buildings, vehicles, landfills, bushes and electrical fires. Interestingly, the majority were for bushfires, with 56 calls in total over the year.

As for non-fire related incidents, the SFRSA attended 155, comprising 79 humanitarian calls, 36 road traffic accidents, and 11 search and rescues.

The agency recorded two false alarms, and 14 investigative calls.

In addition to the incidents, the SRFSA was one of the key agencies involved in the emergency response to the December 6 and 7, 2023 crisis, whereby torrential rain led to four fatalities, and the Civil Construction Company Limited (CCCL) explosion which left many injured and displaced, and buildings damaged.

To boost fire preparedness, the SFRSA has drafted a fire safety regulations which is expected to be enforced by mid-year, following the consultative phase.

The fire safety regulations sets out mandatory fire safety measures for commercial buildings, making provisions for a fire safety certification before a business is allowed to operate. The regulations will also be applicable to government premises, including housing estates.

It must be noted that the agency presently conducts inspections and has to approve commercial operations as fire safe for licensing purposes, but the new regulations includes yet more measures.

“In general business are compliant with the requirements and recommendations of the SRFSA. Only a minority is resistant, but we work closely with them to highlight the importance of fire safety in their businesses,” he said.

As explained by Mr Arnephie, the legal framework in Seychelles does not allow for mandatory fire safety measures to be imposed on private residences, although the public can look to it as a guide for ensuring that their homes are fire safe.

In its efforts to remain on top of advancing technologies such as electrical and hybrid cars, the agency is undertaking a research study on necessary precautionary measures. The public will be advised as to their findings.

Despite facing human resource challenges, the emphasis is on building the capacity of the agency’s personnel.

“For the time being, we have sufficient equipment. We received some equipment where there was the landfill fire incident,” added Mr Arnephie.

“As per our strategic plan we plan to have two new fire-tenders coming in soon, to replace older fire tenders. For 2025, there will also be a tender for us to acquire more new equipment. This will expand our fire tender fleet,” Mr Arnephie added.

Laura Pillay