Fire puts pause on Banks Breweries operations

Operations at Banks Breweries have been put on hold pending an investigation into a fire at the Newton, Christ Church facility on Wednesday morning.

Quick action by the Barbados Fire Service contained and extinguished the fire that occurred in one of the company’s laboratories, but a probe must be conducted before operations at the company can resume, Deputy Chief Fire Officer Henderson Patrick told reporters at the scene.

“Investigations are ongoing as to what may have caused the incident so that we can begin to give an all-clear and get the operations here going again because . . . everything is on pause until that investigation is completed,” he said.

In a statement issued later in the evening confirming that the fire has brought operations to a halt for now, Banks Holdings Limited said the rest of the build remains safe and unaffected, all necessary safety protocols were immediately followed, and all staff safely evacuated the premises without incident.

Country Manager Shafia London added: “At this time, we are conducting a thorough assessment of the situation and will provide updates as they become available.”

Banks Breweries Plant Manager, Cecily Gillet reported that the company was “cooperating fully with the authorities to ensure the matter is resolved as swiftly as possible”.

“The safety and well-being of our employees is always our top priority,” she said.

London thanked the Barbados Fire Service and the Barbados Police Service for their urgent response and expert guidance in navigating the incident. “We also appreciate the understanding and support from our employees and partners as we return to operations in the shortest period of time,” she added.

Three senior officers and 12 other fire officers from the Bridgetown, Worthing and St John fire stations responded to the incident. (BT)