Barbados Fire Service Blog

Funeral Service Tomorrow For Former Fire Chief

2009-05-05T22:24:00.001-04:00

The Caribbean Fire Service fraternity will gather tomorrow on the island of Dominica in a Service of Thanksgiving for the life of Julien Baptiste former Chief Fire Officer of the Dominica Fire and Ambulance Service.

The Dominican Fire Service family was in a state of mourning after being informed of Baptiste’s death on April 18, 2009. Baptiste reportedly died in Cuba where he was receiving medical treatment for an ailing kidney condition.

We take this opportunity to extend our sincere condolences and prayers to the family of Fire Chief Baptiste and the entire Dominica Fire and Ambulance Service.

Source: www.bajanfirefighters.blogspot.com

Fire Service Sports Club Receives Donation

2009-04-24T18:55:00.002-04:00

The Barbados Fire Service Sports and Social Club received a donation of a color television from PriceSmart Barbados on Tuesday. In accepting the donation Club Secretary Ryan Mayers stated that the gift was quite timely and expressed the desire to see more corporate entities supporting the Fire Service Sports Club.

Maurice Forde, Membership Marketing Manager made the donation on behalf of PriceSmart. Mr. Forde said his company was pleased to present the donation to the Fire Service Sports and Social Club. The presentation was witnessed by several members of the Club.

Fire Service Participates In FAHUM 2009 Exercise

2009-04-19T16:45:00.001-04:00

The annual regional disaster relief exercise known as ‘Fuersas Aliadas Humanitarias’ (FAHUM) was held on Friday across the 16 Caribbean Disaster Emergency Response Agency (CDERA) member states.

More than 10 agencies were in attendance at the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) located at the offices of the Department of Emergency Management (DEM) in Warrens, St. Michael.

This year’s exercise allowed the participants to test the response mechanism for pandemic influenza. A four member team from the Barbados Fire Service was in attendance for the exercise and coordinated the department’s response. Of significance this year was the use of the WebEOC incident management application during the exercise.

The WebEOC hardware and software is currently being installed at the Department of Emergency Management and members of the emergency services are expected to start training with the software soon.

WebEOC will be available for use during the 2009 hurricane season where it will be further tested and it is expected that the system will be fully operational in all CDERA States by the end of 2010.

A total of 25 countries are participating in FAHUM this year, the exercise concludes on April 25.

Fire Service Mourns The Loss Of Duncan Walcott

2009-04-16T22:45:00.002-04:00

Members of the Barbados Fire Service joined family and friends in a Service of Thanksgiving for the life of Duncan Chesterfield Walcott BSM (retired Station Officer) at the St. John Parish Church on Tuesday.

It was with great sadness that the firefighting fraternity learned of the death of Mr. Walcott. Duncan Walcott served in the Fire Service for 34 years and retired on October 1, 1999 at the age of 57.

He enlisted in the Barbados Fire Service on October 1, 1965. During his extensive career in the Service he was assigned to several areas including the St. John Fire Station, Airport Fire Station and Fire Service Headquarters. He also had the distinction of completing several overseas training stints at Base Borden in Canada and the Caribbean Aviation Training Institute in Trinidad. For his hard work and dedication he was awarded the Barbados Service Medal of Honour in 1983.

The members and staff of the Barbados Fire Service take this opportunity to extend our heartfelt thanks to the family for the outstanding service rendered by Duncan Chesterfield Walcott.

One Fatality After Major Fire At New Orleans

2009-04-05T16:24:00.001-04:00

Fifteen people are homeless following a major fire which destroyed four houses and damaged two others at 8th Avenue New Orleans, St. Michael early this morning.

A 10 year-old-boy is also a fatality as a result of the fire. His body was discovered in the debris after firefighters had extinguished the fire.

The fire which started in the early hours of the morning quickly spread through the densely populated district.

Approximately 16 officers with 5 fire tenders under the command of Deputy Chief Fire Officer Eric Rice with Station Officers Wilfred Marshall and Trevor Applewhaite responded to the blaze.

Investigations into the cause of the fire are continuing.

Fire Erupts At Asphalt Plant

2009-04-01T10:14:00.002-04:00

Firefighters from Fire Service Headquarters and the Arch Hall Fire Station rushed to the C.O.Williams Asphalt Plant at Lears Road, St Michael yesterday after fire broke out there.

Approximately 15 firefighters with three fire tenders under the command of acting Deputy Chief Fire Officer Eric Rice and Station Officer Evans Morris used foam to contain the fire that engulfed three 40 foot containers of bitumen.

The fire erupted when diesel which was being delivered in a truck, overflowed and came into contact with a heater which was on the ground.

Fire then quickly spread to the storage containers igniting the asphalt. Thick black smoke could be seen from several miles away as employees and other onlookers hurried to safety. Two water tankers from C.O.Williams Construction assisted firefighters with the delivery of water to the incident scene.

Two persons received minor injuries as a result of yesterday's fire.

Fire Destroys One House And Damages 3 Others

2009-04-01T09:50:00.003-04:00

On Tuesday, March 31, 2009 at 11:25 hours, 15 officers from Fire Service Headquarters under the command of acting Deputy Chief Fire Officer Eric Rice and Station Officer Wilfred Marshall responded with three fire tenders to a house fire at Chapman Lane, St. Michael.

One stone and timber building with contents was completely destroyed and three others slightly damaged by fire. One female observer at the fire scene suffered minor injuries after stepping on a live power line. (HQFS)

Tractor And Truck Involved In Collision

2009-04-01T09:45:00.002-04:00

On Tuesday, March 31, 2009 at 11:16 hours, nine officers from Fire Service Headquarters and Arch Hall Fire Station under the command of Divisional Officer Lloydson Phillips responded with one fire tender and the rescue tender to a motor vehicle accident on Highway 2A, near Bennetts, St. Thomas.

The collision occurred near the Sandy Lane junction and involved a truck and a tractor. Two persons sustained injuries, both vehicles were extensively damaged. (HQFS, AHFS)

16 Year-Old-Boy Saves House From Being Burnt

2009-03-27T18:00:00.002-04:00

Early Morning City Fire Ravages Two Homes

2009-03-15T09:30:00.005-04:00

Residents of Spruce Street, The City, awoke to find two homes in their neighbourhood engulfed in flames early yesterday morning. The fire completely destroyed an unoccupied house and extensively damaged another before fire officers could contain the blaze.

Ten officers with two fire tenders from Fire Service Headquarters under the command of Divisional Officer Lloydson Phillips and Station Officer Evans Morris attended the incident.

Two persons were reported to be displaced as a result of yesterday’s blaze.

Investigations into the cause of the fire are continuing.

Firefighters Complete Marine Firefighting Training

2009-03-02T12:40:00.002-04:00

Twenty-four firefighters from the Barbados Fire Service and two members of the Barbados Coast Guard created history on Friday when they successfully completed the first Marine Firefighting for Land-based Firefighters training course.

The one week training programme sought to expose the participants to firefighting techniques and concepts which would enable them to effectively mitigate incidents in a marine environment. The course was conducted by the Barbados Fire Service in collaboration with Hillsborough Community College and the Barbados Community College.

Course instructor Keith Williams commended the participants for the dedication and commitment shown during the training programme. He also urged them to utilise the knowledge and skills obtained from the course and encouraged them to pursue additional training in this area with a view to strenghening the fire departments capacity to respond to marine incidents.

The closing ceremony was held at the Barbados Community College Industry Services Unit on the Harbour Road, and was attended by Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs Ms. Dianne Campbell, acting Deputy Principal of the Barbados Community College Dr. Sylvia Hackett, Lieutenant Commander Shurland of the Barbados Coast Guard, acting Chief Fire Officer Eric Rice and other Fire Service officials.

Three Treated For Injuries At Vehicle Accident

2009-02-13T16:36:00.000-04:00

On Wednesday, February 11, 2009 at 16:46 hours, fire officers from Fire Service Headquarters responded with the rescue tender to a motor vehicle accident at St. Stephen's Hill, St. Michael.

The accident involved a motor van and truck. The van was extensively damaged to the front while the truck was slightly damaged. Four persons were involved, one female had to be extricated by fire officers using the jaws-of-life. (HQFS)

Four Injured In Vehicle Accident At Exchange

2009-02-13T14:27:00.003-04:00

On Wednesday, February 11, 2009 at 11:32 hours, fire officers from Fire Service Headquarters and Arch Hall Fire Station under the command of Station Officers Ormond Fenty and Willis O'Neale responded with one water tender and the rescue tender to a motor vehicle accident at Exchange, St. Thomas.

The accident involved a delta truck and a motor van. Four persons were injured, two persons had to be extricated by firefighters using the jaws-of-life, both vehicles involved were extensively damaged. (HQFS, AHFS)

Holiday Fire Safety Awareness Level Raised

2008-12-20T22:57:00.004-04:00

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.

Work On New Airport Fire Station At Advance Stage

2008-12-05T14:33:00.005-04:00

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.

Fire Service Recieves Donation From BL&P

2008-11-28T13:03:00.003-04:00

The Fire Prevention and Community Relations Unit of the Barbados Fire Service received a donation of equipment which will be used to enhance the presentation of fire prevention and safety in Barbados.

On Wednesday afternoon, Barbados Light and Power (BL&P) Generation Manager Hallam Edwards presented the Fire Service with a multimedia projector and screen to assist the department's public education programme.

Station Officer Wilfred Marshall, of the Fire Prevention and Community Relations Unit expressed his thanks for the donation and added that the donation would help make presentations more impactful.

Hydrant Identification Programme At Jubilee Gardens

2008-11-05T12:02:00.002-04:00

The Barbados Fire Service (BFS) will launch a hydrant identification programme at Jubilee Gardens, The City, on November 13, at 10:00 a.m.

Under the watch of the Fire Prevention and Community Relations Unit, the scheme calls for the remarking of all underground fire hydrants for easy identification and accessibility in an emergency.

The project is sponsored by United Insurance Company. (BGIS)

Remembrance Day Parade - November 9, 2008

2008-10-30T11:05:00.001-04:00

Barbados will honour its war dead on Remembrance Day, Sunday, November 9, 2008 with the customary parade and interdenominational service at the Cenotaph in National Heroes' Square, Bridgetown commencing at 8:00 a.m.

Governor-General Sir Clifford Husbands and Prime Minister David Thompson will lay wreaths in remembrance of the servicemen who lost their lives during World Wars One and Two.

The diplomatic corps and uniformed organisations will also participate in the wreath laying ceremony, during the parade of armed and unarmed units.

The Band Of The Royal Barbados Police Force will play for the armed units on parade and for the march from Central Police Station to National Heroes' Square. The Barbados Defence Force Band will provide music for the unarmed units to march from Queen's Park to the square and back.

Smoke Detectors To Aid Fire Prevention

2008-10-20T16:40:00.003-04:00

Over the last eight years, Barbados saw a notable 22 people dying in house fires, with four of these deaths occurring this year.

In light of this, acting Chief Fire Officer, Anthony Blackman, has appealed to the Barbadian population to install smoke detectors and adhere to fire safety information.

The Barbados Fire Service (BFS) is leading by example, having so far installed 150 smoke detectors across the island, largely in the homes of the disabled and the elderly, at a cost of some Bds $8,000. Half of this was contributed by several churches and Cooperators General Insurance Company Ltd., which presented the Fire Prevention and Community Relations Unit with smoke detectors last Monday.

Today, fire officers of the unit distributed them to households in the Britton’s Hill and Garrison area, as the BFS ended Fire Prevention Week but left the theme Smoke Detectors Save Lives ringing in the ears of Barbadians.

During the first stop at Burke’s Land in Britton’s Hill, Attorney General and Minister of Home Affairs Freundel Stuart, who is also the parliamentary representative for the area, assisted in the smoke detector installation at a household.

Speaking to reporters afterwards, Mr. Stuart lauded the insurance company for supporting the programme and exhorted the rest of Corporate Barbados to do likewise, since this fire safety drive is islandwide and calls for smoke detectors, not only at the houses of the physically-challenged and the elderly but also at special schools, institutions and private homes.

Echoing the Fire Service’s concern over the rise in both house fires and resulting deaths, the insurance company is also disturbed about the number of uninsured houses destroyed by fire, especially when protection is available and at affordable rates. (BGIS/TA)

Community Outreach - Warrens, St. Michael

2008-10-17T08:35:00.003-04:00

Members of the Fire Prevention and Community Relations Unit of the Barbados Fire Service took their message to Super Centre Supermarket in Warrens, St. Michael yesterday. The community outreach programme is part of the activities being held to celebrate Fire Prevention Week 2008.

The fire officers handed out fire safety literature and encouraged members of the public to implement fire safety measures in their homes as a matter of urgency. Fire Officer Shirley Phillips made mention of the high incidence of house fires this year and that four persons had died as a result of these fires.

Fire Service Responds To Bus Crash

2008-10-16T19:56:00.000-04:00

On Wednesday, October 15, 2008 at 20:37 hours, fire officers from Fire Service Headquarters under the command of acting Station Officer Trevor Applewhaite responded with the rescue tender to a motor vehicle accident along Hinks Street in Bridgetown.

The accident involved two Transport Board buses, extrication was not required. However, fire officers stabilized the accident scene and assisted the seven persons who were injured and later transported to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. One omnibus was extensively damaged after it struck the James Fort Building while the other was slightly damaged. (HQFS)

Two Burn In Morning Inferno

2008-10-11T12:21:00.000-04:00

A young St Thomas mother and her four-month-old baby were admitted to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) yesterday in critical condition after suffering burns to parts of their bodies as they tried to escape the flames that destroyed their home in Vaucluse.

The SATURDAY SUN understands that Martina Gittens, 22, suffered burns to her face while her daughter, Zaria received burns to her back in the early morning fire.

One witness said that on his way home, "about 12:30 a.m. or so, I see all the lights on, every light was burning in the house."

"And by the time I get home, it was only minutes after that I smell the smoke and heard the fire trucks," he said.

Station Sargeant John Rollick at District D said the fire destroyed the three-bedroom timber and wall house owned by Martina's 43-year-old mother, Debra Gittens.

Martina's four other siblings and two other children also lived in the home. They all escaped the fire without injury.

Member of Parliament and friend of the family, Cynthia Forde, said both the mother and child were in hospital while the other family members were staying with relatives in Bank Hall, St Michael.

"It is so sad what happened to Martina and her baby, to this family. To go through this, is awful. They have lost everything in that fire and I believe that the house only just recently had repairs.

"I am happy though that the agencies have gotten in contact with the family and are working urgently to help them out," she said.

At about 12:30 yesterday afternoon, Martina and her daughter Zaria were still in surgery at the QEH, while over in St Thomas what was left of the Gittens home still smoked.

Police are investigating the fire. (TM)

Source: www.nationnews.com

Bajans Warned Of Fire Threat

2008-10-09T14:20:00.000-04:00

Today is International Fire Prevention Day and the Barbados Fire Service (BFS) has issued an appeal to Barbadians to take the threat of house fires more seriously.

Over the last eight years, Barbados has recorded 21 deaths as a result of house fires with three of those deaths occurring this year.

Smoke detectors have been installed by the fire service in the homes of disabled persons.

Acting Chief Fire Officer, Anthony Blackman said yesterday, "The BFS wants to send a message to every house-holder that a simple inexpensive smoke detector could be the difference between life and death in a house fire."

Blackman said there were significant increases in house fires as well as well as fire calls - a worrying sign for the department.

"Up until October 1, 2008, house fires in Barbados moved from 78 to 87, a 12 per cent increase from 2007 fire calls jumped from 2023 to 2434 for the same period last year and these statistics pose a great challenge to our Fire Prevention and Community Relations Unit," Blackman stated.

Station Officer responsible for the Fire Prevention and Community Relations Unit, Wilfred Marshall said that programmes were in place to make the public more aware of the threat of fires.

"We have already started the SAFE programme that targets the primary schools through the Ministry of Education. The RISK WATCH programme targets parents and staff associations in the public day nurseries, the Community Outreach Kitchen Safety programme targets home owners

in the community and the Smoke Detector installation programme has given free detectors to the disabled," Marshall said. (PA)

Source: www.nationnews.com

More Fire Stations, Training

2008-10-04T17:28:00.000-04:00

Two new fire stations and a sub-station at the Bridgetown Port are in store for the island to help fire officers better deal with fire and emergency rescues.

Acting fire chief Anthony Blackman told the 53rd Chief Fire Officer's Parade at the Arch Hall station yesterday, there were plans for improved infrastructure.

"There have been ongoing discussions with the Barbados Port Authority Inc. in connection with having a sub-station in the Port. This means that officers will have to seek training in marine firefighting. We are also looking forward to the development of a training facility at the old fire station and you will soon be hearing more of that.

"A new fire station is being constructed to replace the existing station at the airport. These facilities will be outfitted with modern pieces of equipment and are to improve working conditions that currently exist for officers," he said.

Blackman added that there was also a proposal to build a new station at Six Roads, St Philip.

The fire chief said they were also developing a stronger academic base for their officers to help enhance their future operations.

"The department is in discussions with the Barbados Community College to establish a degree in fire science and this depends on a memorandum of understanding between the Barbados Fire Service, the Barbados Community College and Hillsborough Community College. That was submitted to the Ministry of Home Affairs to be finalised."

The Barbados Fire Service has also established a Caribbean Examination programme to help those who did not achieve certification before; they have covered Mathematics, Accounts, Principles of Business, and English and the tutors have come from within the department.

Training has also been undertaken in the last year and this year in the areas of customer service skills, supervisory management, industrial relations, public service excellence and hazard material awareness.

Blackman said that on August 21 officers were trained in dealing with hazardous materials through a programme co-ordinated between the Barbados Community College, the Fire Service and Hillsborough Community College in Florida, United States.

Five officers also returned to the United States to complete their associate degrees.

The parade was spectacular with various drills and musical accompaniment from the Barbados Prison Service.

The new drill, battle of the axes was done by young fire officers who were trained by chief training instructor at the Regional Police Training School, Christine Stanford.

There was also a roof rescue of an injured man.

Fire Service Week continues with a fair today at the Probyn Street headquarters. (WB)

Source: www.nationnews.com

Better Working Conditions For Fire Service

2008-09-29T17:14:00.000-04:00

Attorney-General and Minister of Home Affairs, Freundel Stuart is pledging that the Government will do all in its power to give firefighters the best working environment.

He gave this assurance at a service yesterday to celebrate the 53rd anniversary of the Barbados Fire Service (BFS) at the St Lucy Parish Church.

Stuart said efforts were underway to improve the physical conditions where fire officers worked and the terms and conditions of their services. He pointed to the renovation of the Airport Fire Station as an example.

"They are an arm of our essential services which play a critical role in disaster management. . . . They have served this country notably [while] being content with modest rewards while serving the country."

Meanwhile acting chief fire officer Anthony Blackman revealed that as of August this year, there have been 76 house fires, 34 commercial buildings blazes, 62 vehicle fires, 1377 grass fires and 173 cane fires.

He said with the establishment of the Fire Prevention Unit, the BFS has intensified its efforts throughout the country with educational outreach programmes.

"We have gone into residential and business communities promoting the benefits of fire safety in order to reduce many of the incidents."

While stressing that little or no attention was sometimes paid to the elderly, the less fortunate, vulnerable and incapacitated, Blackman said a programme was designed to offer some protection for them until help arrives in the event of a fire.

There is a Smoke Detector Programme, carried out in conjunction with the Barbados National Organisation for the Disabled, where the devices are installed in homes.

The BFS theme this year is a Safer and Healthier Community for All. (KB)

Source: www.nationnews.com

Barbados Fire Service Celebrates 53 Years

2008-09-21T16:33:00.000-04:00

The Barbados Fire Service (BFS) will be celebrating 53 years with its annual Week of Activities commencing with a Thanksgiving Service at the St. Lucy Parish Church on Sunday, September 28, 2008.

During the week, the Fire Service has planned a number of events and is throwing open its doors to public visits at its Probyn Street headquarters, the Worthing, St. James and St. John fire stations.

An invitation is also extended to Barbadians to participate in the health extravaganza at headquarters fire station, Probyn Street on Monday, September 29 from 10:00 a.m. Members of the public will be able to get their blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar tested during this event.

The week climaxes with a family fire fair on Saturday, October 4 from 12:00 noon at headquarters. This event will feature special fire-fighting video presentations, tours of the fire station, jumping tent, lucky dip, face painting and the new rescue tender showing off multi-faceted extrication equipment.

19 Firefighters Complete HazMat Programme

2008-09-01T16:41:00.000-04:00

Nineteen officers from the Barbados Fire Service and two paramedics from the Emergency Ambulance Service completed the Hazardous Materials (HazMat Level 2) training programme on Friday. The training course is a collaborative venture between the Barbados Fire Service, the Barbados Community College and Hillsborough Community College in the United States.

The course provided the participants with the opportunity to further develop themselves by exposing them to the latest techniques as they relate to Hazardous Materials incidents.

The closing ceremony was held at the Barbados Community College and was attended by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs Lucene Wharton-Isaacs, acting Deputy Principal of the Barbados Community College Dr. Sylvia Hackett, Retired Battalion Chief & Training Instructor Lawrence Rogers, acting Chief Fire Officer Anthony Blackman and other officials from the Barbados Fire Service.

Urban Search And Rescue Training Course Ends

2008-08-25T18:37:00.000-04:00

Efforts are underway to establish search and rescue teams in all CDERA (Caribbean Disaster Emergency Response Agency) states and the Barbados Fire Service is playing its part. Two fire officers recently participated in the Urban Search and Rescue Light Level training course.

The training programme was held at the Barbados Defence Force base at Paragon in Christ Church. The course saw 21 participants from five CDERA territories - Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, Jamaica, St. Kitts & Nevis and Trinidad & Tobago participating in the vigorous four day exercise.

A number of successful participants from the training course are expected to be selected to train others in the region. The participants from this programme will form the nucleus of the national search and rescue teams in their respective countries.

The programme is a collaborative partnership between CDERA and OFDA (Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance) a department of the United States Agency for International Development.

8th Annual Fire Cadet Graduation Ceremony

2008-08-15T14:05:00.000-04:00

The Junior Fire Cadet Programme of the Barbados Fire Service ended yesterday with a parade and awards ceremony. The programme, which is in its eighth year concluded with a graduation ceremony for the 21 fire cadets at the Arch Hall Fire Station, St. Thomas.

Twenty-one participants, aged 13 to 15 years were introduced to elements of fire response, which included hose and hydrant drill, ladder drill, lines and knots, fire prevention, fire extinguishers, squad drill and first aid. The fire cadets also participated in water safety training taught by the Barbados Coast Guard.

During his feature address at the graduation ceremony Acting Principal Youth Development Officer with the Ministry of Youth Affairs Ivor Worrell encouraged the fire cadets to show respect for the essential services. Mr. Worrell indicated that quite often persons showed disrespect to emergency service personnel while they are carrying out their duties. He expressed concern about the failure of many motorists to allow free traffic flow to emergency vehicles while enroute to emergencies.

Acting Chief Fire Officer Anthony Blackman while delivering the CFO's Address thanked the corporate sponsors for their financial support and encouraged other organisations to join in supporting the Fire Cadet Programme. The Fire Chief reminded those gathered of the numerous benefits of the five week training programme to the fire cadets and the community.

Fire Station Tours Popular With Summer Camps

2008-08-08T13:40:00.001-04:00

Fire Station tours continue to be a popular stop for children attending the annual summer camps around the island. Yesterday, 53 children accompanied by four adults from the Passage Road Community Summer Camp visited Fire Service Headquarters, Probyn Street, Bridgetown.

The educational tour provided an opportunity for the children to learn about the role of the fire service and to see up close the emergency equipment and fire appliances used by fire officers on a daily basis.

From all reports the children had a wonderful time, some of the activities enjoyed by the infants involved the viewing of fire appliances, activating the sirens and also flashing the beacons. A video presentation on fire safety was also shown to expose the little ones to the basic safety concepts.

More than 25 summer camps, with well over 1000 children have toured Fire Service Headquarters within the last six weeks.

Fire Service Stage Simulation At Harrison's Cave

2008-07-22T18:00:00.000-04:00

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

2008-07-17T21:05:00.000-04:00

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

2008-07-15T12:51:00.000-04:00

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

2008-07-11T16:10:00.000-04:00

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

2008-07-10T01:45:00.000-04:00

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.