After minister’s tragic death… Fire Service to reassess number of stations in Arima Borough

The executive of T&T Fire Service will need to use a statistics-driven approach to determine whether there is a need for more than one fire station in the Borough of Arima.

That’s the assessment of Fire Service Sub-Officer Jude Rogers, who acknowledges the heavy criticism being levelled at the TTFS.  The Service has been heavily criticised for its “slow response” to the fire at the home of Member of Parliament for D’Abadie/O’Meara, Lisa Morris-Julian, who died on Monday, along with two of her children.

The Arima Fire Station is located on Green Street, which is within walking distance of the late MP’s residence located on Farfan Street.

Speaking on today’s edition of CNC3’s The Morning Brew, Fire Service Sub-Officer Jude Rogers observed that major needs assessments for Arima will need to be undertaken.

“I would imagine some sort of introspection will take place within the coming weeks and months,” he said. “My hope coming out of this, is that we would see the right proportion of firefighting equipment attached to the Fire Service where it is vitally needed, especially as we grow as a nation.”

And the T&T Fire Service is encouraging citizens to practice fire safety especially during the current festive season, when more electricity and gadgets are being used, and fireworks take centre stage in some celebrations.

“There are persons for and persons who are against fireworks,” Rogers observed.  “However, we all have a right to that freedom to utilise them, but we must do so in a safe manner.”

The Fire Service Sub-Officer said those using fireworks must do so responsibly.

“You must not put your neighbour in danger while using fireworks,” he stressed.

He listed key precautions that must be taken when using fireworks.

“You’re not supposed to light or fire a firework at anybody directly.  You are not supposed to use it in the roadway.  Actually, you have to be about 60 feet away from the centre of any roadway,” he pointed out. 

“You should not fire off fireworks under your ceiling, under your garage, or anywhere near trees or shrubs,” he added.

The T&T Fire Service also is advising citizens to create and practice an emergency escape plan with their families to be activated in the event of a house fire.

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