Saturday, December 20, 2008

Holiday Fire Safety Awareness Level Raised

The Barbados Fire Service is continuing to heighten the level of fire safety awareness during this busy holiday season. On Friday afternoon members of the Fire Prevention and Community Relations Unit were in the City spreading the gospel of fire safety to shoppers.

Personnel from the Fire Service were accompanied by a crew from the Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) as they made their way along High Street and Swan Street.

The risk of fire significantly increases during the holiday season, residents may find themselves particularly vulnerable to fires for a variety of reasons. Candles are often used as a holiday tradition and can be placed too close to combustible materials that could start a fire. The inappropriate use of decorative lights can also cause circuits to overload. However, holiday cooking left unattended is the biggest fire danger in the home.

Fire Officers Stephen Miller and Shirley Griffith reminded the public that six persons lost their lives this year as a result of fire and suggested that every effort be made by homeowners to acquire and install a working smoke detector.

Friday, December 5, 2008

Work On New Airport Fire Station At Advance Stage

Construction of the new Airport Fire Station is at an advance stage. The state of the art station will provide increase floor space of 5 317 square feet.

Among the new features will be “direct access to the runway from the appliance bay; training facilities; the provision of separate decontamination and breathing apparatus rooms; and accommodation of all appliances under cover in an enclosed space with storm shuttering”.

Personnel at the Airport will also benefit from having improved direct access to the appliance bay from the dormitories, a library and records room, fire clothes area, mechanics service area, and parts room. Fire Officers will be able to enjoy better dining and kitchen facilities; a gym area and washroom facilities. The project is expected to be completed by October next year.