Do Recent Blazes Highlight Need for More Firefighting Resources?

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – This year, fire fighters have had their hands full, battling blazes on several islands including New Providence, Grand Bahama, Abaco and Eleuthera, just to name a few.

The fires have shone a light on the lack of fire fighting resources across the country, particularly in the family islands.

Not enough fire trucks, non-functioning hydrants, or trucks running out of water have been some of the challenges.

Back in March when that wildfire on Carmichael Road threatened the safety of residents, police commissioner Shanta Knowles, said the force was looking overseas for new supplies.

Shanta Knowles – Commissioner of Police

“We are looking at new equipment. We have already visited two locations in europe to determine if the equipment in those locations can assist us better. In a short time, we will present our documents to the government, a very very short time because we do hope to get some of those equipment to help us battle the blazes that we’re seeing in our islands.”

On the family islands the situation has been more dire, some don’t have fire trucks or equipment.

With residents making up volunteer groups to fight the blaze.

This was the case in the Berry Islands and Eleuthera recently.

Kevin Wallace – Manager at Great Harbour Cay-Bullock Harbour Airport

“Where we fight the fire right now a fire truck can’t get. So we have the right equipment, a trailer that we can just hook up to 4 by 4 truck and just pull it through rough terrain to where the fire is at. That don’t dispel that we don’t need a fire truck we need a figure truck to be able to fight it from the road you know the airport don’t have a fire truck as well but we definitely need fire equipment and i’m hoping we’ll get those soon.”

At the scene last night, there were also issues including malfunctioning fire hydrants that hindered hardworking firefighters from getting water. A firetruck from the Lynden Pindling international Airport eventually arriving after eleven, temporarily shutting down operations there.

That was also the case last month when a blaze ripped through Solomons Old Trail, the new Cost Right and adjoining office complex that was slated to house several government departments.

“We were able to get the assistance of the airport fire and rescue team and also officers from the Royal Bahamas Defence Force assist. So the efforts continue. We’re now using water from one of the blue holes nearby to see how much they can assist us knocking down the fire this portion of the blaze.”