Bajan Fire Fighters Blog

Today marked the end of the Bajan Fire Fighters' Network food drive in support of the National HIV/AIDS Food Bank. The exercise was undertaken during the past three Saturdays at Jordan's Supermarket, Fairchild Street, in Bridgetown. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Management and Staff of Jordan's Supermarket and also the numerous shoppers who generously gave their support by donating to the food drive.

Firefighters responded to a motor vehicle accident this morning at Harrisons, St. Lucy just after 0840 hours. On arrival one Transport Board omnibus was discovered overturned on its side, with moderate damage to the vehicle. Ten persons were reported to be traveling in the vehicle and were injured when it overturned. (Photo Derrick-On-The-Spot)

Christmas Message from Chief Fire Officer  Hazard analysis, risk reduction and good old commonsense must be seen as priorities this Christmas! Safety, and in this context fire safety, has to be a conscious, deliberate and proactive choice. Lack of money may cause persons not to pay enough attention to carrying out the necessary house repairs and to persist in using defective or faulty electrical equipment and reusing Christmas lights and other electrical decorations which are worn. In any case, these factors will create more hazards at this time of the year. Added to these are the increases in personal and social activities which can have a negative impact on one’s health through impairment and deprivation as well as reduce the time to fulfill other obligations. Read more: http://bit.ly/1cy0plI

  The Administrators of the Bajan Fire Fighters Network would like to wish everyone a safe and enjoyable Holiday Season. Merry Christmas to you and yours... very best wishes for the coming New Year. Regards, Glyne, Kevin, Jamal, Shakira & Melissa Administrative Team www.bajanfirefighters.org

  Police and firefighters responded to a report of a structural fire in an apartment building located at Three Houses in St. Philip. The incident occurred just after 0940 hours this morning. Swift action by residents quickly extinguished the blaze before the arrival of firefighters. One room in the residential complex was slightly damaged during the incident. (Photo by AB)

Three units in the Silver Hill housing area were damaged during a fire yesterday which caused extensive damage to the upper floor of one of the units just after 1347 hours. Two fire tenders under the command of acting Station Officer Denton Foster responded to the blaze, several persons have been displaced as a result of this incident. No injuries were reported.

Members of the Bajan Fire Fighters' Network continued their food drive in support of the National HIV/AIDS Food Bank today at Jordan's Supermarket, Fairchild Street, in Bridgetown. The Administration extends heartfelt thanks to the Management and Staff of Jordan's Supermarket and also the numerous shoppers who generously gave their support by donating to the food drive. Persons interested in adding their support to this worthwhile endeavour can contact: Shakira Simmons or Glyne Alleyne via email: info@bajanfirefighters.org

Personnel from the Airport Fire Station conducted a special water curtain yesterday afternoon at the Grantley Adams International Airport (GAIA) for the arrival of a brand new A321 JetBlue aircraft on its maiden trip to Barbados.

Fire officers from the Northern Division gathered on Monday at Station Hill, St. Peter and All Saints Church to lay floral arrangements in memory of former acting Station Officer Christopher Edwards. Edwards died in the line of duty on December 15, 2010 after he came into contact with a live power line on the scene of an emergency call in Station Hill, St. Peter. (Photos by DF)

A fire at 3rd Avenue, Long Gap, Spooner's Hill, St. Michael destroyed a motor vehicle just after 0454 hours on Friday morning. The vehicle reportedly was burnt after a grass fire nearby raged out of control before the arrival of the fire service. (Photo by AB)

Two persons were treated by paramedics after a motor vehicle accident on Thursday night at Trents, St. James. The incident occurred around 2258 hours and involved two motor cars, both vehicles were extensively damage. The injured were transported to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital via ambulance. (Photo by AC)

The members of the Bajan Fire Fighters Network will be conducting a food drive to assist the National HIV/AIDS Food Bank on Saturday, December 14, 21 and 28 at Jordan's Supermarket, Fairchild Street, Bridgetown from 10:00 a.m. We invite you to come on down and show your support... persons interested in assisting can contact: Shakira Simmons or Glyne Alleyne: info@bajanfirefighters.org

Congratulations to firefighters Rodney Griffith and Pernel McClean on capturing first and second place respectively in the CAFC 2013 Caribbean Firefighter Challenge held in Dominica. Best wishes to all of the competitors. (Photo: Pernel McClean, Chief Reggie Freeman and Rodney Griffith)

A fire of unknown origin extensively damaged a trailer truck at Bourne's Village, St George around 12:30 hours today. The driver of the truck saw smoke coming from the vehicle and pulled off the road. Fire officers from Probyn Street, The City quickly arrived on the scene to extinguish the blaze. They were no reports of injuries. (Photo by AC)

Barbados has emerged winner of the CAFC 2013 Caribbean Firefighter Challenge in Roseau, Dominica. The Caribbean Firefighter Challenge is one of the events held annually during the Caribbean Association of Fire Chiefs conference. The challenge course is a series of firefighting events performed by each individual competitor, designed to simulate various aspects of the daily life saving work of the firefighter. The Firefighter Challenge is comprised of firefighters, in full bunker gear and breathing apparatus, from nations across the Caribbean, competing in a timed course of 5 stations. We extend congratulations to the Barbadian delegation and all the participants.

Nelson Mandela passed away at the age of 95 following complications from a persistent lung infection. May his magnificent legacy forever live on.

Fire officers attended a motor vehicle accident yesterday morning just after 0711 hours near Sunbury in St. Philip. The accident involved three cars with one of the occupants (driver) trapped in one of the vehicles. The jaws of life was used to extricate the driver who reportedly, succumbed to his injuries at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital later during the day. (Photo by AB)

A fire broke out aboard a luxury yacht yesterday afternoon just off the shore near the Port St. Charles Marina. A valiant effort by the yachts crew and firefighters contained the blaze which engulfed the engine room and the upper deck on the starboard side of the vessel. The yacht 'Callisto' had a 15 member crew on board, no injuries were reported as a result of the incident. However, one crew member was subsequently placed on oxygen. An assessment of the damage is underway.

The Caribbean Association of Fire Chiefs (CAFC) will convene its 12th Annual Fire-Rescue-EMS Conference today in Dominica. The conference will commence with an opening ceremony at the Windsor Park Stadium Media Centre at 9:00 a.m. In attendance at the conference will be fire chiefs and firefighters from across the region as well as fire and rescue equipment/product vendors. The CAFC 2013 Conference will include a series of educational activities, such as the Junior Officers Leadership Academy (JOLA), the Incident Command System (ICS), the Annual General Meeting for Chief Fire Officers, the Caribbean Firefighter Challenge and presentation of the Caribbean Firefighter of the Year Award. The conference will conclude on Friday 6, December with a dinner and awards ceremony which commences at 7:30 p.m. where participants of the JOLA programme and winners of the Firefighter Challenge will be presented with their awards.

Swift action by firefighters averted major fires at two locations in St. Michael. The first incident occurred around 2155 hours at Grazettes Industrial Park on Friday night where firefighters contained and extinguished a structural fire before major damage was sustained. The second incident occurred around 1432 hours on Saturday in Wildey, St. Michael in a building adjacent to the Samuel Jackman Prescod Polytechnic. Officers from Fire Service Headquarters under the command of acting Deputy Chief Fire Officer Lloydson Phillips were able to contain a fire which caused moderate damage to the interior of the building. (Photos: Structural fire in Wildey, St. Michael by DJP)

We salute the Government and people of Barbados on this the observance of our 47th Anniversary of Independence. God Bless Barbados.

We would very much appreciate if the media, corporate Barbados and the public would join us and support the Red Barrel Appeal and the National HIV/AIDS Food Bank. This very worthy cause deserves your generous support. [PLEASE SHARE THIS]

The driver of a motor car was treated by paramedics after colliding with a utility pole around 0700 hours on Sunday morning. The incident occurred at Campaign, St. George, the front of the vehicle was extensively damaged as a result. Two tenders under the command of Divisional Officer Errol Gaskin responded to the accident. (AB)

We mainly see them at the scene of fires, accidents and other calamities - and, yet again, local firefighters are springing into action to offer their services. This time, however, it is in a totally different setting; their "life-saving" is aimed at the National HIV/AIDS Food Bank. The administrative coordinator of the Bajan Fire Fighters' Network, Glyne Alleyne, told Barbados TODAY , its Red Barrel Appeal was conceptualized out of a desire to expand the community outreach of the network. In addition, the organization aims to assist the National HIV/AIDS Food Bank quarterly, an initiative started officially last Thursday. "This initiative was born out of a desre to assist the HIV/AIDS Foof Bank with securing donations of non-perishable food items to help persons/families living with HIV/AIDS. This pandemic continues to ravish our society, and we are playing our part in assisting by rendering humanitarian assistance to this worthwhile effort," Alley...

An intense blaze at Bank Hall, St. Michael destroyed an upholstery shop of timber construction and its contents just after 0704 hours this morning. Two fire tenders from Fire Service Headquarters under the command of acting Deputy Chief Fire Officer Lloydson Phillips, acting Divisional Officer Tyrone Trotman and acting Station Officer Denton Foster responded. (Photo: Derick-On-De-Spot)

Three structural fires engaged personnel from the Barbados Fire Service early this morning. The first incident occurred just after 0105 hours at Phillips Road, Black Rock, St. Michael where a stone and timber house was destroyed. The second incident involved a derelict house at Westbury New Road, St. Michael just after 0545 hours. The timber structure was slightly damaged. The third blaze at Bank Hall, St. Michael destroyed an upholstery shop of timber construction and its contents just after 0704 hours. Police and fire officials are investigating.

A fire of unknown origin extensively damaged a house at Paradise Village, Christ Church this morning. The incident occurred just after 1050 hours, the timber structure and its contents were engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived on the scene. Two fire tenders under the command of Station Officer Gordon Boxill responded to the blaze. (Photo: Derick-On-De-Spot)

The Barbados Fire Service Association (BFSA) has embarked on a Healthy Eating Campaign within the Fire Service. The programme which started 14 weeks ago and was conceptualized by the Executive Committee of the BFSA seeks to teach firefighters alternative ways to prepare healthy meals. During the first three weeks of the programme firefighters were able to observe Chef de Partie Sherlon Ifill from The Club Barbados (formerly Almond Beach Club), who gave a number of demonstrations in food preparation. Fire Officer Adrian Brome, programme coordinator said the aim and objective of the campaign was to encourage fire officers to implement lifestyle changes by practicing the methods demonstrated during the past 14 weeks. Brome who was assisted by Fire Officer Troy Gibbons believes the programme is a step in the right direction as it relates to the health and wellness of the department’s personnel.

The Barbados Fire Service wants to see every Barbadian home with at least one smoke detector installed. This from, Station Officer, Henderson Patrick. He was speaking last evening to participants attending a lecture on fire prevention in the home and workplace, organized by the executive of the Methodist National Men’s Fellowship and held at the Donald Henry Auditorium of the Bethel Methodist Church. In fact, Mr. Patrick disclosed that since 2007 the Barbados Fire Service has been coordinating the Elderly Smoke Alarm programme, in collaboration with a number of local entities including Co-operators General Insurance and the Rotary Club of Barbados West in which the elderly are provided with free smoke detectors. Mr. Patrick also noted that the Barbados Fire Service seeks to have the occurrence of structural and residential fires reduced by ten 10 each year and so far this year they are on target. But he says the Fire Service can’t do it alone. Source: www.VOB929.com Written ...

Barbadians paid tribute to those who lost their lives during the two World Wars, at the annual Remembrance Day Parade and Inter-denominational Service this morning at the Cenotaph, National Heroes Square in Bridgetown. Governor General Sir Elliott Belgrave, Prime Minister Freundel Stuart and Leader of the Opposition, Mia Mottley laid wreaths followed by other specially invited guests, including members of the Diplomatic Corps.

The Caribbean Association of Fire Fighters (CAFF) held its General Meeting and Election of Officers today Thursday, October 24, 2013 during its 7th Biennial Conference in Gros Islet, St. Lucia. The new Executive Board (2013 - 2015) is as follows: President Mr. Grantley Greene (Barbados), 1st Vice President Mr. Garth Lewis (Trinidad & Tobago), 2nd Vice President Mr. Andrew Holder (Guyana), General Secretary Ms. Sharon Nicholson (Trinidad & Tobago), Treasurer Mr. Elridge Straker (Barbados) and Assistant Secretary Treasurer Ms. Dehola Jacobs (Guyana). Mr. Samuel Ilin (Martinique) and Mr. Mike Moncherry (St. Lucia) have been designated Trustees of the Association.

The Caribbean Association of Fire Fighters (CAFF) will be hosting their 7th Biennial Conference in St. Lucia this week. The conference will commence on Monday, October 21 and will conclude on Friday, October 25th, 2013 and will be held at the Palm Haven Hotel in Rodney Bay, Gros Islet. During the Conference, CAFF will be celebrating its Eleventh Anniversary. President Alex Bynoe and a contingent from the Barbados Fire Service will be attending along with other regional delegates. One of the main topics to be discussed at this year’s conference is CAFF’s ability to finance its operations. The economic downturn has impacted significantly on regional fire departments with many of the fire services receiving budget cuts.

  In keeping with our desire to expand our community outreach the Bajan Fire Fighters’ Network will be embarking on a humanitarian exercise to assist the HIV/AIDS Food Bank on a quarterly basis. We are happy to announce that our 'Red Barrel A ppeal' recently commenced at three strategic locations. We are seeking your kind support and encouraging you to generously give canned and other non-perishable food items to this worthy endeavour. You can place your donations in the barrels at the locations of the three territorial divisions within the Barbados Fire Service, namely; the Southern Division Headquarters (Airport Fire Station), the Northern Division Headquarters (Arch Hall Fire Station) and the Central Division Headquarters (Fire Service Headquarters).   Should you have queries or require further information please contact Ms. Shakira Simmons: info@bajanfirefighters.org

The St. John Ambulance are the proud winners of the Fire Service Quiz Night competition held during Fire Service Week. Members of the Barbados Fire Service fought the good fight however, they were unable seize victory in the keenly fought contest. This year regrettably, there was a decline in the number of teams competing. The participating teams were; Barbados Defence Force, St. John Ambulance and the Barbados Fire Service. Congratulations to all the participants.

The annual Health Extravaganza held during Fire Service Week was a resounding success. The event was held at Fire Service Headquarters and involved participants from The Barbados Cancer Society performing breast screening tests, The Barbados Community College General Nursing Programme, along with the Barbados Diabetes Association conducted blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol checks. Cave Shepherd and Company Ltd gave visitors facials and showcased their make-up applications. There were also massages, manicures and pedicures, and the HIV/AIDS Commission performed free AIDS tests. Cornucopia Ltd had a range of healthy foods, snacks and juices; Earth Mother Botanicals displayed their organic skin care products; and The Ministry of Environment was there, as well as Nature’s Discount, Sir Winston Scott Polyclinic and Jenn’s Health, were also in attendance to showcase their products and services and to also answer queries from the public.

Congratulations are in order for the participants of this year's Dressing Drill Competition. The competition was held on Tuesday, October 1, 2013 during the activities held for Southern Division Day (Fire Service Week). We congratulate firefighter Pedro Alleyne (Airport Fire Station) on winning the contest. Firefighter Alleyne emerged over-all winner with a time of 01:58.