Bajan Fire Fighters Blog

Check out the "Bajan Firefighters - February 2015" monthly news and information digest via Flipboard. See:  Flipboard Magazine

Firefighters attended a house fire at Eckstein Village, St. Michael this afternoon. Fire officers using two fire tenders and a water tanker under the command of Station Officer Gordon Boxill battled the blaze which destroyed the timber dwelling and slightly damaged two others. An ambulance was also summoned to treat two persons affected at the incident.

The Barbados Community College, in conjunction with the Barbados Fire Service, will offer training courses in Firefighter I and II to persons interested in a firefighting career, from Monday, March 2, until Friday, May 29. Those interested should be between the ages of 18 and 28; possess a minimum of four CSEC subjects or equivalent, one of which must be English Language; have a valid police certificate of character; and a medical certificate certifying their ability to undergo physical training. A valid heavy duty licence would be an asset. Application forms may be collected from the Student Affairs Department of the Barbados Community College, “The Eyrie”, Howells Cross Road, St. Michael, and returned on or before Wednesday, February 25. (BGIS)

Two fire tenders under the command of acting Station Officer David Barrow attended a motor vehicle accident near the Airport Commercial Centre, Pilgrim Road, Christ Church which damaged two vehicles around 1800 hours yesterday. Extrication was required using the Jaws of Life to free one of the occupants trapped as a result of the accident. The injured were treated and transported to hospital via ambulance. (Images: BFF/DJP)

Check out the "Bajan Firefighters - January 2015" monthly news and information digest via Flipboard. See:  Flipboard Magazine

Businesses owners and managers are reminded that all fire safety inspection certificates issued by the Barbados Fire Service are valid for one year only from the date of the inspection, and must therefore be renewed. To renew certificates, businesses are asked to write a letter requesting the inspection, addressed to the Chief Fire Officer, Barbados Fire Service, Level 5, Post Office Building, Cheapside, St. Michael, at least two months in advance. Acting Chief Fire Officer, Errol Maynard, is also reminding the public that the department may from time to time carry out inspections to ensure that businesses are still compliant as it relates to fire safety. (BGIS)

The Barbados Association of Guidance Counselors (BAGC) annual National Career Showcase was held at the University of the West Indies (UWI), Cave Hill Campus during the past two days. The event gave thousands of secondary school students the opportunity to examine some of their options for potential careers. This year marked the 10th edition of the annual showcase and personnel from the Barbados Fire Service were once again in attendance and happy to interact with students. The students were exposed to the different aspects of a fire service career and had the opportunity to try on firefighting gear and also ask questions regarding the requirements to enlist in the fire department. The 2015 showcase was put on by the BAGC in conjunction with UWI and welcomed students from 22 secondary schools. We extend heartfelt thanks to President of the Barbados Association of Guidance Counselors, Janice Jemmott for the invitation to participate.

Members of the public are advised that the emergency number for the Barbados Fire Service is 311 and not 511, and the Ambulance Service’s contact number is 511 and not 311, as printed in the 2014 - 2015 Barbados Telephone Directory on the front of the Barbados Government pages. The public has been asked to take careful note of the correct numbers. (BGIS)

Check out the "Bajan Firefighters - December 2014" monthly news and information digest via Flipboard. See:  Flipboard Magazine

According to Geneva-based Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives this year's number of crashes at 111 is down from 139 last year, says the bureau, which defines an air accident as "any event where aircraft suffered such damage that it is not in a position to be used anymore and that it is removed from service." See:  http://www.baaa-acro.com/

My fellow Barbadians, visitors and investors in Barbados, on behalf of the members of the Barbados Fire Service, I sincerely wish you, your families and employees a happy and safe holiday season and a productive and prosperous 2015. Safety, as you know, is the number one priority of the Barbados Fire Service and we stand committed to providing everyone with excellent customer service through efficient emergency care. With each passing year, we remind you of the importance of adopting proper fire safety practices to ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday season, and this year is no different as we continue to urge persons to be ever mindful of the danger of fire and offer tips on how to avoid and in some cases eliminate the chance of an emergency occurring. This year, regrettably, has seen the Fire Service being summoned to numerous emergencies, especially in the form of private dwelling house fires. In 2013, there were 80 recorded house fires, whereas for the year to date, the...

Anyone thinking of making fire-fighting a career choice must be willing to learn, and more importantly, be prepared to give of their service to their country. No longer is the job characterised by simple bush and grass fires, but now requires those who enter its ranks to be well-rounded academically, technologically and physically. No one knows this better than retiring Chief Fire Officer at the Barbados Fire Service (BFS), Wilfred Marshall, as he reflected on how the profession has evolved since he joined in 1975. Officially retiring in January, Marshall is of the view that the selection process for the Fire Service needs to be broadened and deepened. See more:  BGIS Media

Fire Officer Natasha Forde (Barbados Fire Service) at a Career Showcase held on December 9 at the Lester Vaughan School, Cane Garden, St. Thomas. (Images: Lester Vaughan School)

International Volunteer Day 2014 - "Make Change Happen" International Volunteer Day (IVD) - (December 5) is an international observance designated by the United Nations since 1985. It offers an opportunity for volunteer organizations and individual volunteers to make visible their contributions - at local, national and international levels. See more:  http://www.unv.org/what-we-do/intl-volunteer-day.html

World AIDS Day is held on 1 December each year and is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, show their support for people living with HIV and to commemorate people who have died. World AIDS Day was the first ever global health day and the first one was held in 1988. The 2014 theme for World AIDS Day is “Focus, Partner, Achieve: An AIDS-free Generation.” Read more: http://www.worldaidsday.org/

Two fire tenders from the Bridgetown Fire Station under the command of Station Officer Gordon Boxill responded to a motor vehicle accident in the early hours of this morning. The accident occurred near the Glebe, St. George just after 1 a.m. and resulted in a pedestrian being struck and pinned under a vehicle. The pedestrian died at the scene of the accident.

HAPPY 48th INDEPENDENCE BARBADOS - Very best wishes from the Bajan Fire Fighters' Network. "Without moral and intellectual independence, there is no anchor for national independence" - David Ben-Gurion.

Firefighters with one fire tender responded to a bus fire last night. One Transport Board bus was destroyed by fire just after 2040 hours at Sugar Hill, St. Joseph. No injuries were reported as a result of this incident.

Firefighters responded to a motor vehicle accident just after 1236 hours at Chapel Road, St. James today (November 25). One truck was extensively damaged after it went over a precipice and collided with a section of stairs on a nearby house. The driver of the vehicle was treated at the scene by paramedics before being transported to the hospital. (Images: BFF/KS)

Another dwelling has been destroyed by fire. Fire officers responded to a house fire at Flat Rock, St George around 0048 hours this morning (November 24). On arrival the timber structure was found to be engulfed in flames. Two fire tenders under the command of Station Officer Gordon Boxill attended the incident; the occupant was not at home at the time of the blaze.