History

The Seychelles Fire and Rescue Services Agency (SFRSA) evolved from a non-organised Fire Service in the years prior to 1976. At that time, fire fighting was part of the duties of a limited number of selected Police Officers based at the Police Headquarters. Fire fighting duty hours spanned from 8.00a.m to midnight each day.

Understandably, since the Officers also had police duties to undertake, there was little time to devote to fire fighting related activities, such as the maintenance and testing of equipment. Further, the Officers did not have formal training in fire fighting and prevention.

In 1976, the fire fighting functions were taken over by a specific fire service unit by the name of Fire Brigade that operated under Police Department and headed by a Chief Fire Officer. The Fire Brigade had a new mandate that extended well beyond the original role of fire suppression to include additional functions such as road traffic accidents, hazardous material incidents, natural disasters, and fire prevention among others.

Originally, the service was housed in the copra shed at the Old Pier. In 1982 it was relocated to Latanier Road where it still is currently.
The SFRSA was created in July 2010 following the enactment of the Seychelles Fire and Rescue Services Agency Act in 2010 by the National Assembly and the President. The Agency is an autonomous body operating under the general authority of the Minister for Home Affairs and headed by a Chief Fire Officer.