Senior Reporter
rhondor.dowlat@guardian.co.tt
Fire Services Association (Second Division) president Keone Guy says six of the 11 fire stations in the Northern Division lack functional appliances to respond to fires and nationwide, nine out of 23 fire stations are similarly incapacitated.
He says this dire situation is compounded by a critical shortage of essential firefighting equipment and firefighters are struggling without vital equipment, including breathing apparatus sets, which are for safe operation during fire emergencies. There are also shortages of hydraulic rescue tools (known as the jaws of life), portable pumps and generators, while 70 per cent of fire stations lack emergency power equipment.
“Additionally, there is a troubling lack of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves and firefighting gear, placing officers at significant risk,” Guy said in a statement yesterday.
He claimed the Ministry of National Security and the Fire Service administration have remained “disturbingly silent” on these matters and warned that the ability of firefighters to respond effectively to emergencies and safeguard lives and property is severely compromised by these shortages.
“For years, the service has been experiencing these shortfalls. The ministry doesn’t seem interested in solving these issues, making it quite clear that decisive action is necessary. Public servants are forced to carry these burdens, finding themselves as victims,” he said
Guy complained that Chief Fire Officer Arnold Bristow’s assurances on dealing with these issues have not translated into tangible benefits for officers, who “are forced to respond to emergencies with defective vehicles and no equipment.”
“The Chief tends to assure from time to time that he’s doing all in his power, but it’s very difficult for us to see the true benefit of that,” he said.
Guy also highlighted the Ministry of National Security’s negligence. He said although the ministry was awarded the largest chunk of the budget, adequate funding is being withheld from the Fire Service.
“The ministry’s actions are negligent and callous towards the service,” he said.
Guy appealed to the authorities to address these critical needs immediately to restore operational capabilities and ensure the safety of firefighters and the communities they serve.
“Any stakeholders serious about addressing these issues, we are willing to meet. But despite all actions, the minister is aware yet still has failed to quickly remedy the situation,” he said.
In response to the concerns, the T&T Fire Service (TTFS) pointed out that it operates from 25 strategically located fire stations across the country, with the Princess Town Fire Station currently receiving support from the Penal Fire Station, and “continually invests in the procurement, innovation, and upgrading of essential resources, including state-of-the-art equipment and accessories. This ongoing enhancement ensures that both officers and offices are well-prepared to tackle any challenges that may arise.”
The TTFS added, “Recent public comments suggesting otherwise are erroneous and misleading. TTFS is dedicated to maintaining and improving its service delivery and ensuring the safety of its personnel. In recent months, TTFS has procured new equipment and is in the process of integrating it across fire stations nationwide, including new breathing apparatus sets to complement the existing inventory.”
Efforts to contact Minister of National Security Fitzgerald Hinds and Minister in the Ministry Keith Scotland for comments on the issue were unsuccessful.