by Eulana Weekes
St. Kitts and Nevis (WINN): Young villagers of the Cons Phipps Project in Half Way Tree, St. Kitts displayed herculean efforts in extinguishing a bush fire that occurred in close proximity to the residential area of the Community on Thursday afternoon, June 10.
The fire, which began sometime shortly after 2:00 pm, spread from east to west along an open plot of bushland; and though it wasn’t wide, there were big blazes at various sections. The fire spread along a path heading towards a house in the area.
Emergency calls were made to the St. Kitts and Nevis Fire and Rescue Services, but the fire truck for the Sandy Point Fire Station, which is the nearest to Halfway Tree was unavailable. In light of this, firefighters of the Tabernacle Fire Station, which is located quite some distance away, were called to provide the service.
WINN FM witnessed the young group of four as they took on the task of extinguishing the fire using hoses and buckets of water and even the use of concrete blocks, notwithstanding that some of the fire burnt away by itself. By the time the fire truck arrived, the fire was almost completely extinguished and firefighters didn’t have much to do.
After the fire, WINN FM had an opportunity to speak to one of the brave young men, suggesting that he apply to be a firefighter. He jokingly said, instead of working with the firefighters, he thinks they should come and work with him because he along with the others managed to extinguish the bushfire before the machine arrived. The young man later agreed that once he receives an application form, he will apply to serve his country as a fire officer; soliciting guidelines on how to go forward.
There is a demand for more firefighters in St. Kitts and Nevis. The more housing projects being built and businesses being established, the need for more bodies in the service has become vital, said a firefighter to WINN FM.
Individuals seeking employment are encouraged to pick up an application form from either the Fire Headquarters in Basseterre or the Charlestown Fire Station in Nevis. The application requires applicants to fill out personal and academic information, as well as present two references, government issued IDs, a Birth Certificate, and Police Record.
Training is predominantly a six weeks course for recruits. It involves theory and practicals such as fire fighting techniques and physical training.
