Fire alarm: Uninsured homes ‘risk’ as fires surge across Barbados

Soaring insurance premiums have created a dangerous vulnerability for homeowners, with Chief Fire Officer Errol Maynard warning that a significant increase in house fires affecting uninsured properties could develop into a national crisis without urgent intervention.

In an interview with Barbados TODAY, Maynard said the Barbados Fire Service has responded to a significant increase in fires across the island—particularly in private homes and open areas—since the start of the year. He raised “serious concern” that many of these homes are not insured.

“Generally, a lot of these homes are not insured, and that is a concern for us,” Maynard said. “We’ve seen cases where people are left with nothing, and without insurance, it becomes extremely difficult for them to rebuild.”

From January 1 to April 14, the Fire Service responded to 484 fire calls, up from 421 in the same period last year. These included 25 private dwelling house fires, compared to 17 in 2024 over the same period. Grass fires have also surged from 178 to 247, though rubbish fires have seen a slight drop from 143 to 124.

Maynard pointed to a combination of factors behind the spike in fire incidents, including carelessness, faulty electrical appliances, and the increasing use of potentially hazardous devices like lithium-ion batteries.

“We’re pursuing the theory that some of these fires may be linked to the indiscriminate use of small plants, battery packs and other alternative heat sources,” he said. “We’re urging people to be more vigilant, especially with older appliances. Something as simple as leaving a fan on overnight or while you’re out of the house can lead to disaster.”

When asked why more homeowners aren’t insuring their properties, the fire chief suggested that affordability remains a major barrier. “The cost of insurance is a big issue. People are having to choose between insuring their homes and buying food—and we all know which choice they’ll make,” he explained.

While noting that some insurance companies offer discounts for homes with certain safety features, he acknowledged that economic pressures, including rising global reinsurance costs, are pushing premiums beyond the reach of many. 

Maynard appealed to insurers and firms to step in with support schemes: “Not only insurance companies, but public-spirited entities and corporate Barbados need to help. Because without insurance, once a home is lost, it’s very hard to start over.”

The General Insurance Association of Barbados did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Barbados TODAY.

But as the dry season continues and fire risks remain elevated, the fire chief stressed the importance of both fire safety and insurance coverage, warning that the combination of rising fire incidents and widespread underinsurance could become a national crisis without urgent intervention. 

sheriabrathwaite@barbadostoday.bb