The Seychelles Fire and Rescue Services Agency (SFRSA) recorded a total of 460 accidents last year, compared to 376 in 2016.

The accidents consisted of building domestic fire, vehicle fire, bush fire, boat fire, electrical installation, vehicle accident, among others.

These are revealed in the agency’s annual report which has been released.

SFRSA spokesperson JonesMadeleine stated that such annual report allows them to better assess their abilities and improve on their weak points.

“Every year the SFRSA releases its annual report to educate the public on the number of accidents reported throughout the year. It also allows us to assess our abilities and motivate us to better serve the community,” he said.

In 2017 a total of 460 accidents were reported, causing two civilian deaths and R67,1741052.27 in property damage compared to 2016 which was R28,984,250.

• 75 were building/domestic fire and R51,562,827. 27 in property damage, compared to 2016 which was 54 and R20,929,900 in property damage;
• 19 were vehicle fires and R8,201,600 in property damage, compared to 2016 which was 16 and in property damage R2,789,500;
• Two were ship fires and R100,600 in property damage, compared to 2016 which saw only one boat fire incident and R300,000 in property damage;
• 19 were electrical installation and R30,900 in property damage, compared to 2016 which also saw 19 and R1,118,400 in property damage;
• 36 were other fire accidents and R1,197,250 in property damage compared to 2016 which were 25 and R517,100 in property damage;
• 40 were vehicle accidents and R2,954,775 in property damage, compared to 2016 which was 36 and R2,681,000 in property damage;
• 124 were other emergency incidents and R395,850 in property damage, compared to 2016 which were 93 and R528,200 in property damage;
• Seven were false alarms and R300 in property damage, compared to 2016 which was five and no damage to property damage;
• 37 were other assistance and R548,900 in property damage, compared to 2016 which was 18 and R28,700 in property damage.

Based on the total of 75 fire incident calls in buildings or residential houses, only 26 were completely destroyed, where as the other calls were categorised as minor fire incidents.

Among the number of buildings that were completely destroyed by fire as at December 31, 2017, 19 were dwelling houses, one flat, two buildings, one warehouse, three shops, eight residential and 40 buildings (houses that were categorised under minor fire incidents).

Mr Madeleine added that soon another station will open at Anse Royale opposite the district administration office.