Fire Service Stage Simulation At Harrison's Cave

A full-scale, simulated search and rescue exercise by the Barbados Fire Service in collaboration with Caves of Barbados Incorporated was conducted yesterday at Harrison's Cave, Welchman Hall, St. Thomas.

The exercise was a simulated cave collapse and was designed to test the Fire Service's response in the event of an emergency at the cave. The simulation provided the opportunity for fire officers and personnel from Harrison's Cave to practice and refine their procedures while working under a unified command structure.

The Fire Service was also able to test its radio communication system at the sub-terrain level within the cave and its call-out procedures for off duty members of the Search and Rescue Unit.

Fire Officers Attend Disability Awareness Training

Members of the Barbados Fire Service are better able to manage disaster and emergencies involving persons with disabilities. This is as a result of a training workshop sponsored by the Barbados Council for the Disabled at Harambee House, The Garrison, St. Michael.

The Disability Awareness in Disaster Management workshop seeks to expose emergency response personnel to sensitisation training and emergency planning for persons with disabilities. Fire Officers were reminded of the need to incorporate people with disabilities in their disaster plans and also their responsibilities to the special needs groups.

Construction Starts On New Airport Fire Station

The construction of a $8.2 million ultra-modern airport fire station officially commenced yesterday with a ground-breaking ceremony at the Grantley Adams International Airport. The ceremony was attended by the Attorney-General and Minister of Home Affairs Freundel Stuart, Minister of Transport, Works and International Transport John Boyce, Chairman of GAIA Inc, Rawle Branker, acting Chief Fire Officer Anthony Blackman and other invited officials.

The project which is being undertaken by Markham Construction is to be built in three phases over the next eighteen months. Phase 1 of the project is the construction of a three-storey building which should be completed in ten months.

The new fire station will be built in accordance with the International Civil Aviation Organisation standards which outline the primary mandate of such stations.

Junior Fire Cadet Programme Begins On Monday

The Junior Fire Cadet Programme of the Barbados Fire Service is scheduled to commence on Monday, July 14, 2008. The programme, which is in its eighth year will be conducted at the Arch Hall Fire Station, St. Thomas, and is aimed at not only teaching the cadets fire safety, but also preparing these young men and women for the greater responsibilities of adulthood.

Twenty participants, ages 13 to 15 years will be introduced to elements of fire response, which include the basics of hose and hydrant drill, ladder drill, lines and knots, fire prevention, fire protection, fire behaviour, extinguishers, squad drill and first aid. The fire cadets will also undergo training in water safety taught by the Barbados Coast Guard. Instructors will observe the fire cadets on hikes and nature walks intended to test their physical and mental endurance.

At the end of the programme, the fire cadets are expected to be proficient in fire safety and foot drill, as well as demonstrate leadership, etiquette, discipline and time management capabilities. They will also be expected to prepare and present group projects of not less than 500 words on community related topics or issues. A practical demonstration involving the cadets will be conducted at the end of the five week training programme.

Major Fire Destroys Several Factories

A major fire destroyed several businesses yesterday. The fire occurred in Grazettes Industrial Estate, St Michael.

The Barbados Fire Service received a call around 3:15 a.m. and fire officers were immediately dispatch to the scene. On arrival a number of businesses were found to be engulfed in flames. Twenty-three fire fighters under the command of acting Chief Fire Officer Anthony Blackman using five water tenders, one combine ladder platform (bronto skylift) and one airport crash tender battled the fire.

However, attempts to contain the fire were hampered by the lack of adequate water supply in the area. Fire fighters were forced to summon water tankers from the Barbados Water Authority to augment the supply at the fire scene.

Yankee Garments, Barbados Industries, A.P Inc., King Refrigerators, Talius, Jansen Enterprises, Matrix Marketing, Glass Fibre Products, and Shoe World were all affected by the early morning blaze.

Approximately 300 employees were reported to be displaced, the cause of the fire has not been ascertained and is currently under investigation.