Dear Editor,
Recent TV clips showed a very enthusiastic ‘Fire Chief’ commenting vociferously on the conflagration which engulfed business properties at the south-eastern corner of Robb and Camp streets, and which did not leave the Republic Bank building opposite unscathed.
Among his observations was that about the frightening shortage or lack of water, partly due to inoperable hydrants, as well as clogged drains, forcing resort to the use of all the fire equipment in Georgetown, as he put it.
The scenario stirred memories of more regulated times in the past when the Fire Service was authorised to ensure that there were ample distances between structures, in order to facilitate their ability to contain as far as possible the fire at its source. Whether this is still the case needs to be urgently investigated, particularly taking into account the exponential growth in business sites in length, breadth and height.
There is also recollection of the Fire Service’s regular authorised visits to businesses in particular to check and certify that they were adequately equipped with fire prevention apparatus. Recent experience suggests that it is highly desirable that this practice be re-instituted, taking into account the increasing numbers of foreign property owners who may be unaware of such regulation.
Finally this witness could not help but feel sympathy for the official whom the media, and everybody else, describes as the ‘Fire Chief’. Probably quite unknown to the official himself, the post of Chief Fire Officer has been deleted from the National Estimates for several years now. Contradictorily only the position of Deputy Chief Fire Officer is included – a puzzling at least, if not deliberate, lapse which hopefully will be corrected in the upcoming budget.
All the best to the ‘Fire Chief’.
Yours faithfully,
E B John
