Minister of Housing, Lands and Maintenance Chris Gibbs is urging landlords to comply with fire safety requirements, while also pledging to reduce the dangerous density of urban housing.

The St Michael West Member of Parliament said some house fires revealed evidence of overcrowded properties, blocked exits and tightly-packed neighbourhoods where blazes can spread rapidly between homes, putting lives at risk.

Speaking at a Stop, Think, Act: Fire Safety Matters panel discussion on Saturday hosted by the St Michael West and City of Bridgetown District Emergency Organisations at St Mary’s Primary School in The City, Gibbs recounted three fires he attended in three weeks.