Home affairs minister wary of heightened fire risk amid dry spell

A prolonged dry spell is driving a surge in fires across Barbados, placing communities and critical infrastructure at increased risk, the home affairs minister has warned.

“The dry spell that we’re having is very concerning,” Minister Gregory Nicholls said, adding that public education and preparedness would be critical in helping to mitigate future incidents.

“We have a lot of bush in areas and we need to be able to keep that down, especially in the dry season, so it will create more challenges for us.”

Nicholls made the comments at the commissioning of a new 45-metre aerial ladder for the Barbados Fire Service at its Pine headquarters. The new unit is expected to strengthen the island’s emergency response capabilities, particularly for fires and rescue operations in high-rise buildings.

The minister acknowledged the intense workload currently facing firefighters, noting that crews have been responding to several major incidents in recent weeks.

“We have had significant fire events and episodes which has caused you, yourself, fire chief, and your team to be out in the field,” Nicholls said.

He revealed that he has been in regular contact with Chief Fire Officer Errol Maynard and other senior officers as they continue to battle multiple blazes across the island.

“I speak regularly with the fire chief and the officers and it is a concern,” he told Barbados TODAY.

Nicholls pointed specifically to a major fire in St Philip on Sunday, describing it as especially troubling because of its proximity to homes and other important installations.

“On Sunday, the fire in St Philip was concerning because of the proximity to certain important installations and houses as well,” he said.

The home affairs minister explained that after firefighters worked through the early morning hours to contain that blaze, crews were quickly redirected to another fire in Benthams, St Lucy.

“Fresh off of being able to control that yesterday morning when I spoke with them earlier again after working tirelessly throughout the early morning hours, they were heading to Benthams and requesting for more tenders to come out and assist the fire crew in the northern part of Barbados.”

With dry conditions persisting, the home affairs minister urged Barbadians to take greater precautions to reduce the risk of fires spreading.

The Barbados Fire Service has responded to several bushfires in recent weeks as dry weather conditions continue to affect the island.

(SB)