Legislation aimed at further empowering the Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service was approved after receiving unanimous support in the House of Assembly.

The Fire Safety Act 2014, tabled by Premier Michael Dunkley in his capacity as Public Safety Minister, was described as a means of ensuring the fire service can play a role in the design, construction, repair and demolition on commercial premises.

The legislation confers a duty on the Island’s various planning, building and licensing authorities to consult with the fire service regarding fire safety and protection before issuing a licence, and makes the Chief Fire Officer an ex officio member of the Development Applications Board to help ensure fire safety standards are met in approved building designs.

Meanwhile, many building owners will be required to obtain a fire certificate from the Chief Fire Officer.

Mr Dunkley acknowledged that the bill had been a long time in coming, and work on the legislation had begun under the PLP.