Stewart Beckford
Stewart Beckford is the Commissioner of the Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB), known for his advocacy on fire safety measures. Recently, he has been in the news urging the public to adopt the practice of closing bedroom doors while sleeping to enhance safety and reduce the risk of smoke inhalation during a fire. Beckford emphasizes the importance of this practice, referencing successful campaigns such as 'Close Before You Doze' from the United States, and highlights the crucial time individuals have to escape a fire, stressing that saving lives should always come before saving possessions.
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Recent news mentions
JFB Commissioner, Stewart Beckford, told JIS News that the entity has been working diligently to address what has long been considered 'a far too high rate of fire-related deaths occurring in the country.'
29.6 per cent decline in fire-related deaths for 2025 | News
Jamaica· 2026-01-31Stewart Beckford indicated that the Jamaica Fire Brigade was looking to identify a suitable site for a new fire station.
McKenzie urges Labourites to back Slowley for re-election in PNP-dominant seat | NewsJamaica· 2025-07-08
JFB Commissioner Stewart Beckford previously disclosed that there were 1,759 malicious false alarms last year, a 24.4 per cent rise from the 1,413 calls received in 2023.
False alarms frustrating St James firefighters | Lead StoriesJamaica· 2025-05-13
Stewart Beckford defended his officers and their actions amid criticisms over the fire response.
Fire brigade commissioner defends firefighters amid criticisms over major Kingston blaze | NewsJamaica· 2025-04-29
Stewart Beckford, Commissioner of the Jamaica Fire Brigade, is reminding event promoters and organisers to apply early for fire-safety permits.
Event promoters and organisers urged to apply early for fire-safety permits | NewsJamaica· 2025-04-18Stewart Beckford, the Commissioner of the Jamaica Fire Brigade, reported an increase in functional fire hydrants linked to infrastructure developments.
Increase in the number of working fire hydrants | NewsJamaica· 2025-04-02Stewart Beckford, the JFB Commissioner, warned against charging devices overnight to prevent fire hazards.
Refrain from charging devices overnight to prevent fire hazards – JFB | NewsJamaica· 2025-04-01Commissioner Stewart Beckford disclosed that four of the 27 fire-related deaths in 2024 were children aged one to eight years.
Fire Brigade warns against leaving children alone at home | NewsJamaica· 2025-03-26Commissioner Stewart Beckford made the plea during an interview with JIS News.
JFB warns against leaving children alone at home | NewsJamaica· 2025-03-25Stewart Beckford, Commissioner of the Jamaica Fire Brigade, highlighted the importance of this partnership, explaining that it represents a shared commitment to exploring advanced technological solutions.
Yassuh, Jamaica Fire Brigade partner to bolster emergency response | NewsJamaica· 2025-03-14
Stewart Beckford, Commissioner of the Jamaica Fire Brigade, emphasized the importance of having a working fire extinguisher in vehicles to save lives during emergencies.
JFB urges motorists to get working fire extinguisher | NewsJamaica· 2025-03-05Stewart Beckford, Commissioner of the Jamaica Fire Brigade, emphasizes the importance of closing bedroom doors while sleeping to increase survival chances during a fire.
JFB urges persons to close doors while sleeping | NewsJamaica· 2025-02-21