Fire chief appeals for vigilance after blaze injures pensioner

A 90‑year‑old pensioner remains in hospital with serious injuries after a house fire at Two Mile Hill, prompting Chief Fire Officer Errol Maynard to issue an urgent plea for greater vigilance and improved home safety across the island.  

While the investigation into the cause of the blaze continues, the fire chief urged citizens to prioritise home safety to prevent further tragedies.

So far in 2026 there have been 15 house fires — a slight decrease from the 17 recorded during the same period in 2025. Despite this, the total number of fires across all categories has risen to 282, compared with 274 during the same period last year.  

This increase has been driven largely by a rise in rubbish fires, which reached 90 this year compared with 86 last year, while grass fires have fallen from 129 to 115.  

Chief Maynard expressed deep concern over the near‑fatal incident at Two Mile Hill and praised a bystander who intervened to save the resident, noting that such bravery highlights the importance of a vigilant community spirit.  

Pensioner Noel Owen Marshall and another St Michael man were hospitalised with burns after a midday fire destroyed a two‑bedroom wooden house at Bishops Land last Wednesday.  

Despite swift action by neighbours and firefighters, nothing could be saved after the blaze, which broke out shortly after noon, quickly consuming the home of Marshall, who is in his 90s.  

Checks by Barbados TODAY on the condition of Marshall are still unknown at this time.  

The chief fire officer urged all Barbadians to look out for their neighbours and, most importantly, to install early‑warning systems such as smoke detectors in their homes.  

When asked about the common causes of residential fires, Chief Maynard cited electrical failures, unattended stoves and the continued use of faulty, ageing appliances.  

He shared a recent experience where a resident was using a microwave that continued to operate even after being switched off, stressing that such equipment should be replaced immediately rather than repaired.  

“When residents use damaged power strips or plugs attached to appliances, the wiring begins to heat up. This heat can ignite nearby dust or wall insulation. This is why the chief fire officer was emphatic about not using faulty appliances. Once the internal wiring is compromised, the appliance itself becomes a significant source of heat, ultimately breaking out into a fire.”  

He cautioned that fires do not just destroy buildings but often erase irreplaceable family memories and legacies, making it vital for households to remain proactive with maintenance and safety checks.  

The Barbados Association of Retired Persons (BARP) issued a statement of gratitude, praising the heroic actions of neighbours for saving Marshall

President Marilyn Rice‑Bowen praised their “quick thinking, compassion, and willingness to act without hesitation”.  

Rice‑Bowen emphasised that the bystanders’ decision to intervene immediately, rather than standing by, was the decisive factor in ensuring the elderly resident was removed from the burning structure safely.  

“Their swift action and concern exemplify the true spirit of community, where neighbours look out for one another and protect the most vulnerable among us.”  

She highlighted that the rescue serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of vigilance and community cooperation during life‑threatening emergencies.  

The pensioners group’s called the rescue an “outstanding” testament to the essential value of looking after one’s neighbours.