Dear Editor,

Monday, November 18, was a day to remember. We had two major fires reported in Kingston. These fires impacted the livelihoods of many people.

The Pearnel Charles Arcade in downtown Kingston which, similar to the other arcades, has the propensity of being on fire during Christmas seasons; and a warehouse and ice factory at Ashenheim Road made headlines. These fires kept firemen across the Corporate Area very busy for most of the day.

The recent fires have brought into sharp focus our fire safety preparation and prevention strategies at the workplace and insurance for micro and small business operators.

One basic fire safety preparation and prevention strategy that I believe we tend to overlook is the importance of being current with modern practices, especially when we rebuild and renovate. In modern practice, fire resistant and retardation materials are used. These include intumescent paint, which can withstand high temperature and slow the spread of fire, fire retardant gypsum board or glass, and other building materials which are spray-applied fire resistive materials (SFRM). These SFRM can withstand high temperatures and preserve strength and stability.

Then there are fire detection and early suppression control systems. These include smoke alarms, flame detectors, heat sensors, fire alarms, overhead fire sprinklers which will be automatically engaged in the event of a fire, thus quickly combating a blaze in its infancy.

Fires are costly, and many times the goods/properties of fire victims (as in the case of proprietors at the Pearnel Charles Arcade) are not insured. The cost is then left to be borne by the proprietors and/or the tax-paying public as financial aid, in many cases, is provided by the Government.

It is time for action to be taken on the long-awaited microinsurance Bill which would help to offset the negative effects of these fires. Jamaica was touted to be the trendsetter in Caricom to table such a Bill. However, I fear that we might lose pride of place as the 2023 timeline is now passed.

All in all, thanks must be given to the hard-working firefighters. The damage could have been worse; we thank you for taking the heat!

Valrie J McKenzie

Vj0963@msn.com