11 per cent increase in working fire hydrants

The Ministry of Local Government and Community Development has reported an 11 per cent increase in the number of operational fire hydrants nationwide as of December 31, 2025.

Portfolio Minister Desmond McKenzie noted that, as of December 31, there were 16,161 operational hydrants islandwide, representing 78 per cent of the total complement.

"This shows an increase of... 11 per cent, when compared to 14,000 reported at the end of 2024," McKenzie said. He noted that there has also been an increase in the overall number of hydrants nationwide. As of December 31, there were 20,536 hydrants nationwide, compared to 20,151 at the end of 2024, representing a two per cent increase.

"It is to be noted that a total of 385 new hydrants were installed in 2025," McKenzie told the Standing Finance Committee of the House of Representatives at Gordon House. He emphasised that the fire hydrants' maintenance is an ongoing process managed by the Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB).

In response to questions regarding the installation of new fire hydrants to meet the needs of growing communities and, in particular, high-rise buildings, McKenzie explained that this forms part of the development approval process, under which assessments must be undertaken by the JFB before approvals are granted.