About GFRS
Background Information
The Gambia Fire and Rescue Services (GFRS) trace its origins to 1949 when it was established as a unit within the police force under the Fire Brigade Act of 1948. In 1968, Cadet Fire Officer Z.B. King was appointed, and by 1978, he ascended to the position of Chief Fire Officer. In 1979, Cadet Fire Officer Roger Bakurin joined the service and later succeeded Mr. King as Chief Fire Officer in June 1999.
The transformation of the Fire Brigade into an independent department began in 1982 when it became part of the Ministry of the Interior. In 1993, the organization was renamed the Gambia Fire and Ambulance Service, and it has since evolved into the Gambia Fire and Rescue Services. Today, the GFRS is entrusted with the critical responsibility of safeguarding lives, property, and the environment throughout the country.
Core Functions of the GFRS
The Gambia Fire and Rescue Services performs four primary functions:
- Saving lives
The GFRS is dedicated to rescuing human and animal lives in diverse situations, including from wells, rivers, trees, buildings, traffic accidents, and other emergencies. - Preventing fire related property damage
Firefighters undertake extensive fire safety education campaigns in communities and schools to prevent fire outbreaks. They aim to minimize property damage by responding promptly to incidents and containing fires to prevent further destruction. - Rendering humanitarian services
The GFRS provides vital assistance during natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes, and building collapses. Additionally, it operates paramedic clinics in five fire stations across the country, offering free medical services such as blood tests, urinalysis, and first aid. - Enviromental protection
The GFRS is actively involved in safeguarding the environment during emergencies, reinforcing its commitment to broader humanitarian and ecological responsibilities.
Operational Structure
Under the dynamic leadership of Chief Fire Officer Sang C. Ndow, the GFRS has grown into a well-organized department with a Deputy Chief Fire Officer (DCFO) and six Assistant Chiefs (ACs), each managing specialized sections. From its humble beginnings with two fire stations in Banjul and at the airport, the GFRS now operates:
- 12 Fire Stations
- 6 Sea Rescue Stations
- 6 Paramedic Clinics
Today, the GFRS boasts a workforce exceeding 1,000 personnel, with women comprising 25% of the team.
Challenges and Public Engagement
Despite its significant contributions, the GFRS faces challenges, particularly in emergency response times and resource availability. The commonly used emergency number (118) can cause delays due to the automated recording system, which requires callers to wait for approximately 30 seconds before being connected. This often leads to public misunderstandings and frustration.
The GFRS appeals to the public to remain patient during such calls and provide critical information, including their name, location, and details of the incident. Addressing these challenges remains a priority for the department as it strives to enhance its services and foster collaboration with communities.
The Gambia Fire and Rescue Services continues to uphold its mission of saving lives, protecting property, and providing essential humanitarian services, embodying its role as a cornerstone of public safety in The Gambia.