The Guyana Fire Service (GFS) has begun a two-day training programme in Quantum Geographic Information Systems (QGIS) aimed at strengthening its operational capacity through the use of geospatial technology.
The training, which is being held at the GFS Headquarters is being facilitated by the Bureau of Statistics and is led by Head of the GIS Department Jagdesh Singh and GIS Officer Cyrone Nedd.
According to the Fire Service, the programme combines theoretical and practical sessions to equip firefighters with skills in geospatial mapping and data management that can be applied to emergency response operations.
Head of the Strategic Management Unit, Kimberly Dos Santos, welcomed the initiative, saying the training forms part of the agency’s efforts to modernise its operations.
“Since Guyana is moving in the direction of improved technology, the Guyana Fire Service will not be left behind,” Dos Santos said, adding that the implementation of QGIS training is therefore important.
The fire service said integrating Geographic Information Systems into its operations is expected to support the development of a national fire incident database, facilitate the mapping of fire stations and fire hydrants, strengthen fire prevention strategies, improve responses to bush and grass fires, and enhance risk assessment and resource management.
As part of the practical component of the programme, participants are also being trained to use QField, a mobile application that integrates with QGIS. The application allows firefighters to capture and upload georeferenced field data directly from incident scenes using mobile devices, improving the speed and accuracy of data collection.
The GFS said the initiative forms part of its ongoing efforts to modernise its operations and improve its capacity to protect lives, property and the environment through the use of technology.
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