Belize and Japan Formalize Donation of Seven Fire Trucks to Strengthen National Fire Response

Press Release, September 30, 2026. The Government of Belize, through the Ministry of the Public Service, Disaster Risk Management and Enterprise, and the Embassy of Japan, formalized a significant partnership that will see the donation of seven fire trucks to the Belize National Fire Service.
The symbolic signing ceremony was held at the Belmopan Fire Station, marking the formalization of the donation following an extensive application and approval process. The seven fire trucks have a combined value of approximately BZD $1,303,886 and are expected to arrive in Belize by the end of the year, when a larger official handover ceremony will be held.
The vehicles will strengthen fire response capacity across the country, with trucks expected to be placed in Corozal, Orange Walk, Belize District, Cayo and Stann Creek. Within the Belize District, the vehicles will support fire response in Belize City, Ladyville and Caye Caulker, while the Cayo allocation will serve Belmopan and the Stann Creek allocation will serve Dangriga.
The donation will also be complemented by training for Belizean fire personnel, planned for January 2027. The training will support the development of technical skills and enhance the effective use of the new equipment.
Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of the Public Service, Disaster Risk Management and Enterprise, Mr. Rolando Zetina, welcomed the partnership and highlighted its broader significance.
“This occasion represents not only the receiving of seven fire trucks, but also the strengthening of the longstanding relationship between Belize and Japan, built over more than four decades of diplomatic relations and cooperation. Over the years, that partnership has resulted in countless projects and initiatives that have made a tangible difference in the lives of everyday Belizeans.”
H.E. Ryōsuke Yamakura, Ambassador of Japan to Belize, added that the firetrucks “represent an investment in life-saving resources, faster emergency response, and peace of mind for families and local businesses”. Ambassador Yamakura also reiterated that the project is a strong reflection of the relationship between both countries and that it is “support from the Japanese people to the Belizean people, rather than from the Japanese government to the Belizean government”.
The Government of Belize extends its sincere appreciation to the Government and the People of Japan, the Japanese Firefighters Association, and the Embassy of Japan for this valuable contribution to Belize’s emergency response capacity.
The physical handover of the seven fire trucks will take place following their arrival in Belize.