Bajan Fire Fighters Blog

The Barbados Fire Service Sports and Social Club held its second Karaoke Night at Fire Service Headquarters last night. Despite the late start, patrons appeared to enjoy themselves with a hearty serving of barbecue pig tails and chicken steadily flowing. All that was required was to set the karaoke machine on fire with music. The fire officers in attendance certainly rose to the occasion with Rudolph Farnum, Simon Bourne and others taking the lead by rendering some of the popular karaoke ballads. Ryan "Sickey" Lovell also offered his interpretation of several songs much to the delight of patrons watching his unusual performance. Naturally, the crowd responded more to the calypsos which was quite fitting and in-keeping with the spirit of our beloved Crop Over Festival. The next Karaoke Night is scheduled for August 29, at the Arch Hall Fire Station.

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. Source: Barbados Fire Service Blog .

A number of children from two summer camps had the opportunity to learn about the Barbados Fire Service and firefighting operations when they toured Fire Service Headquarters yesterday. Forty-four children accompanied by 10 adults form Camp Princess and 49 children and five adults from Camp ED were able to see first hand how fire officers conduct their daily routines. The new Rescue Tender was a focal point as the eager students tried to learn as much as possible about its special rescue equipment and deployment to emergencies. Above Photo: Leading Fire Officer Cynthia Boyce speaking to children from Camp ED.

I found this interesting video via the Firefighter Nation - Firefighter Rescue and EMS Social Network. I hope you folks find it interesting as well, especially my friends in the Search And Rescue Unit.

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, d...

The members of White Watch (Headquarters Station) spent a few minutes during their afternoon break to celebrate with colleague Winfield Jones. Winfield celebrated his special day today, we extend best wishes to Winfield from the entire online community. Special birthday greetings also go out to all members celebrating during the month of July. PS. We regret the delay in publishing the monthly birthday list.

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, th...

Scores of employees at Tropical Laundry in Country Road are on the breadline after an early morning fire on Friday. Fire officials told CBC News they received a report that the business was on fire around five Friday morning and dispatched a number of officers to the scene. The owners of the laundry said they were told the building was on fire by a guard in the wee hours of the morning. The fire service was also informed and firefighting teams deployed to fight the raging blaze but they could save little. Yolande Walrond, the assistant accountant says the company employs just over a hundred and eighty workers some of whom will be displaced as a result of the blaze. "We have 186 employed, including our five depots across the island. This will be a major blow to all of us. Plus we are the number one laundry in the island. We do all of the Defense Force uniforms, the very prime minister clothes in there right now, we could say burn up. Everybody you can think of from ...