The Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) is calling for several measures to reduce fire risks in markets following three fires at the Old Shoe Market in Montego Bay over the past year.
According to the JFB, these incidents, which began in October 2023, were caused by unregulated electricity usage, cramped layouts, and the use of non-fire-rated building materials.
Oniel Clarke, District Officer and Fire Investigator for the JFB’s Western Region, highlighted these findings during a St. James Municipal Corporation meeting on November 15.
Clarke stated: “Investigations into the Old Shoe Market fires revealed startling data suggesting unregulated usage of electricity and electrical appliances, [and issues with] the building construction and schematic design.”
To address these concerns, the JFB has proposed stricter regulation of electrical installations within market shops.
Clarke emphasized the importance of ensuring proper distribution of electricity, noting that the current lack of oversight increases fire risks.
Additionally, he recommended the installation of smoke detectors in shops.
Clarke explained: “These provide audible alarm when activated by smoke particles in the air.” Such devices are critical for early detection and response, potentially preventing the escalation of fires.
The JFB also raised issues related to market layouts and the materials used in constructing shops.
Clarke warned that the compact design of many markets, combined with substandard materials, can lead to rapid flame spread during a fire.
“The space is tight. So for the ease of traffic and for firefighters to effectively do our jobs, and even for the persons that are commuting that space [daily], building construction considerations [should] be given to the type of materials that are used,” Clarke explained.
He recommended the use of approved fire-rated materials to enhance occupant and content protection.
Clarke further stressed the need for materials that can contain fires within individual shops to prevent rapid spread throughout market structures.
“To ensure that if there is a fire-related situation in Shop A, the building material is at a standard that it can manage and contain that fire without it quickly spreading,” he said.
This recommendation aims to provide greater protection to both market occupants and their property, reducing the overall impact of potential fire incidents.
The Jamaica Fire Brigade has recommended measures to prevent fires in markets, citing unregulated electricity, cramped layouts, and non-fire-rated materials as contributing factors in three fires at the Old Shoe Market in Montego Bay since October 2023.
Key recommendations include stricter regulation of electricity usage, installation of smoke detectors, and the use of fire-rated building materials.
These steps aim to enhance safety, reduce fire spread, and improve protection for market occupants and property.
