The Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) has expressed concern over its lack of jurisdiction to inspect residential properties to ensure adherence to fire safety procedures.

Speaking with IRIE FM News, JFB Commissioner, Stewart Beckford explains that according to the law, the Brigade does not have the authority to inspect residential properties unless it is an apartment complex.

This, he says, is unsettling, as this limitation prevents the Brigade from insisting on important fire safety equipment.

Commissioner Beckford says the concern is further heightened by last year’s one per cent increase in residential fires.

There were approximately 1,466 structural fires between January and November 30, last year.

Of that number, 1,127 were residential fires, representing 76.9% of the total structural fires the Brigade responded to.

In light of last year’s statistics and the JFB’s inability to inspect regular residential homes, Commissioner Beckford is appealing to homeowners to install even basic fire safety devices.