BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – QUICK reaction by members of the Basseterre Fire and Rescue Services this afternoon (June 7) prevented what may have been the destruction of the St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party Secretariat and its adjoining buildings.
According to a fire officer, about 5:36 p.m., members of his department responded to a report of fire at the Party’s Secretariat. However, on arrival at the scene, the officer said that no signs of fire were seen, but on entering the building they smelled smoke.
He added that after a close examination of the roof on the southwestern side of the building, they discovered that a fire had started on the shingles which were covered by galvanised zinc sheets capped with tar (Polybond G).
The officer said that they quickly extinguished the fire after removing the capping of tar, and only minor damage was done to the building.
Speaking to SKNVibes, Minister of Information the Hon. Nigel Carty explained that certain parts on the western section of the roof were leaking and carpenters were hired to rectify the situation.
Carty explained that in order to ensure permanent stoppage of the leakages, the roof had to be capped with sheets of tar. He added that heat had to be applied to the tar so that it could be steadfastly positioned. However, because of the intensity, the wooden section that links the lower roof to the upper one caught afire.
SKNVibes also learnt that the fire started some 30 minutes after the carpenters had retired for the day.
