The Trinidad and Tobago Fire Service (TTFS) is urging the public to be vigilant “in discarding of debris, derelict vehicles and items that can potentially lead to a fire”, following two recent reports of bush fires that have impacted several families.
An official statement from the TTFS issued today seeks to clarify reports on the two fires—one in Freeport, and the other in Tacarigua.
Fire in Freeport community
While no human life was lost, a family pet (a dog) was killed in the Freeport fire which occurred on Sunday (April 14, 2024), at Maraj Avenue on Mission Road, Freeport; and reportedly destroyed three houses, and six vehicles. The affected families have been left traumatised.
It has since been determined that the fire was started by a resident burning rubbish on Sunday, who had not been in possession of a fire permit and had no permission to do so. Within minutes, the fire was out of control and spread rapidly, with the resultant property destruction.
“It was also confirmed that of the six vehicles that were burnt, three were derelict, and of little or no economic value,” the Fire Service notes.
The TTFS reminds the public that the Agricultural Fires Act (Ch 63:02 /Act 20 of 1965), (Sections 17 and 18) defines the Fire Season as December 1–June 30.
“Any person desirous of igniting a fire externally must first request a Fire Permit from their respective Trinidad and Tobago Fire Service Station,” the release points out.
It also quotes Section 18 of the Agricultural Fires Act (Ch 63:02 Act 20-1965):
“A person who desires to set fire other than an indoor domestic fire during a fire season shall apply to the County Fire Control Officer for permission to do so. Every such application shall be in writing and shall contain the following particulars: (a) the location and approximate area and boundaries of the land, factory or mill where the proposed operation is to be conducted; (b) the character of the operation; (c) the number of persons to be employed in the operation; (d) the location of the camp, if any; and (e) the probable duration of the operation.”
Bush fire in Tacarigua area
The Fire Service also sought to clarify a report of a bush fire in the Paradise Gardens, Tacarigua area, which was recounted in a Letter to the Editor in a daily newspaper on April 1, 2024.
It reports that in this event, there was no damage to any house, property or domesticated animal, and refutes the allegation by the writer that the Fire Service never responded to his calls.
“The Fire Service states categorically, that on Thursday, March 28, 2024, at around 12:20 hours, the Fire Service Emergency Hotline (990), received a phone call from a person purporting to be a resident from the Tacarigua area, who reported that a bush fire developed in the said area. Official records confirm receipt of one such call; and not ‘numerous’ calls as the letter writer suggested,” the TTFS release clarified.
It recounted: “Upon receipt of that call, the information provided was immediately relayed to the Tunapuna Fire Station and within two minutes, an officer of that station contacted the resident, asking for directions to the reported bush fire. It was in this communication, that the resident advised—such advice being carefully documented—that the fire was under control and if needed, he would again contact the Fire Service.”
“In those circumstances,” the Fire Service says, “no further action on the part of the Fire Service was deemed necessary. There were no other calls regarding any bush fire in that community.”
“Therefore, the claim made, “of numerous calls”, in the said letter to the Editor is not accurate,” the statement asserts.
The TTFS also gave assurances that it “stands ready to respond to all emergency calls, wherever and whenever they occur.”