BFRS Completes NFPA Fire Safety Training
The Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service [BFRS] recently completed a two-day training course focused on fire inspections, code application, fire protection systems and building life safety.
A Government spokesperson said, “The training was held from April 29 to 30, 2026, in collaboration with a visiting representative from the National Fire Protection Association [NFPA] in the United States.
“The NFPA is an internationally recognised organisation that develops fire, electrical, building and life safety codes and standards used by jurisdictions, fire services, building professionals and safety practitioners around the world.
“The NFPA states that its codes and standards serve as a foundation for fire, electrical and life safety globally.
“The BFRS adopted the NFPA code in 2014, and the training supported the Service’s continued work to apply those standards consistently in Bermuda.
“The course brought together the entire Fire Protection Division, members of the Operations Division, and community industrial stakeholders.
“The aim was to build a shared understanding of practical fire prevention requirements, including how fire safety codes are applied during inspections, how hazards are identified, how fire protection systems are assessed, and how compliance supports safer buildings, workplaces and public spaces.
“Building on participants’ existing familiarity with NFPA standards, the session focused on further strengthening their understanding and practical application, particularly in relation to NFPA 20 and 25 and the inspection, testing and maintenance of water-based fire protection systems.
“The training also covered areas linked to plan review, field inspections, water-based fire protection systems, inspection, testing and maintenance, occupancy safety and life safety requirements. These are recognised areas of professional focus within NFPA’s fire inspection and fire protection training framework.
“The Minister of National Security, the Hon. Michael Weeks, JP, MP, greeted the participants at the start of the course and congratulated them on completing the training.”
Minister Weeks said: “This training entails the principles of practical public safety. It helps ensure that the people inspecting buildings, reviewing safety requirements and working with industry have a clear and consistent understanding of the standards that protect lives and property.”
The Minister added: “I was pleased to meet the participants and thank them for their commitment. Fire safety is more than emergency response. It is involves prevention, preparation and ensuring that risks are identified before they become tragedies.
“I commend the BFRS, the NFPA instructor and the participating stakeholders for taking this work seriously.”
Chief Fire Officer Dana Lovell said the training was especially important because BFRS has followed NFPA standards for more than a decade.
Chief Lovell stated: “The BFRS adopted the NFPA code in 2014, and our firefighters and fire protection officers are ambassadors to this code. That means we must understand the standards, apply them properly and explain them clearly to the people and organisations with whom we work.”
He added: “The training given was not abstract. It dealt with the practical work our officers face when inspecting buildings, reviewing fire safety measures, assessing fire protection systems and helping property owners and industry partners understand what compliance looks like.
“It also helps ensure that the Fire Protection Division and Operations Division are speaking the same language when it comes to prevention, response and life safety.
“Fire safety is a shared responsibility. When the BFRS and industry stakeholders receive the same guidance and discuss the same standards together, it reduces confusion and supports more consistent application across Bermuda. That is important for inspections, maintenance, emergency planning and the overall safety of the community.”
The spokesperson said, “The Ministry said the course forms part of the BFRS’s ongoing professional development programme and its continued commitment to fire prevention, life safety and safer built environments across Bermuda.”
