B.V.I. Wednesday, October 7 – This week members of the community were exposed to various training displays and lecture activities organised and executed by the Fire and Rescue Services Department as part of Fire Safety Awareness Week 2009.
Today the department conducted a simulation drill which involved hazardous materials. “This simulation demonstrated the risks posed to fire officers in their line of duty to manage and control HAZMAT incidents. It also gave viewers an opportunity to see what equipment is needed to operate in such environments and the importance of decontamination,” Acting Deputy Chief Fire Officer, Mr. William Penn told the Department of Information and Public Relations.
On Tuesday the department executed live demonstrations at the Road Town Fire Station which were witnessed by students from the Seventh Day Adventist Primary School and the Eselyn Henley Richez Learning Centre.
According to Mr. Penn, the scenario depicted a three-storey building on fire with one person trapped in the building. “The officers had to use a 45 feet extension ladder to gain access into the building through a window,” Mr. Penn said.
“The mission of the simulation was to demonstrate to the visiting schools and members of the viewing public our capacity to manage such situations whilst building public confidence in us,” Mr. Penn added.
In addition to the activities on Tortola, Virgin Gorda fire officers began a three-day basic fire fighting mitigation techniques training at the Virgin Gorda Fire Station with ten students from Bregado Flax Educational Centre – Secondary Division.
“I must commend Sub-Officer Elroy Chalwell for taking the responsibility of moulding the young minds so that through the younger generation, we can ensure that the message of fire safety and awareness continues to resonate throughout our community thereby decreasing our risks as a Territory to the threats posed by fires,” Mr. Penn declared.
Fire Safety Week continues with activities that will end on Sunday, October 11. The community is encouraged to come out and support the activities as fire prevention is everyone’s business. For more information on Fire Safety Awareness Week 2009 and how you can become involved in some of the activities, contact the Fire & Rescue Services Department at 494-3473.
The mission of the Fire and Rescue Service Department is to protect life and property from the effects of fire and all other man-made and natural accidents and disasters.
British Virgin Islands News