Christmas Message 2024: From Chief Fire Officer Errol Maynard

Below is the full Christmas message from Chief Fire Officer, Errol Maynard:

My fellow Barbadians, friends and colleagues, as we reflect on the recent conclusion of our Independence and Republic Day celebrations, we are reminded of the unity and pride that these occasions bring. Yet, while we celebrated together, we also faced heartbreaking tragedies. In the midst of our joy, several families suffered devastating losses, in four separate incidents involving private dwellings, over the past week and a half. These incidents, from a Fire Service perspective, have cast a shadow over what should have been a time of celebration.

So far in 2024, the Fire Service has responded to 1,096 fire incidents, including 70 private dwelling fires. This compares to 1,295 incidents in 2023, of which 63 involved private dwellings. While there has been a reduction in overall calls, the increase in private dwelling fires is a significant concern for us.

As we approach the Christmas season, I extend warm greetings and heartfelt gratitude to each of you on behalf of the entire Fire Service team. This time of year is a cherished season of togetherness, generosity and reflection. It reminds us of the strong bonds within our community and our shared commitment to safety, care and resilience.

Let us take this opportunity to support one another and prioritise safety, as we celebrate the holidays. Together, we can protect what matters most, and that is our families, homes and communities.

Our mission in the Fire Service is to protect lives and property, and this year, we have continued to work tirelessly to fulfill that responsibility. Through our public education programmes, community engagement, and prompt emergency responses, we aim to be a trusted and reliable presence for you, not only in times of need but in moments of prevention and awareness as well. Your ongoing support, cooperation, and partnership have been invaluable in helping us to achieve our goals.

During this holiday season, as we celebrate with family and friends, I encourage you to prioritise safety in your homes and gatherings. Simple precautions, such as checking smoke detectors to ensure that they are working, practising fire safety around decorations, avoiding the use of naked flame candles, and staying vigilant in the kitchen, can help to ensure a joyous and safe holiday for all.

Additionally, live Christmas trees are becoming increasingly popular, but it is important to be reminded that they can be highly flammable, especially when desiccated. To ensure your safety, please follow these live Christmas tree guidelines:

• Use Low-Heat Lights: This will produce minimal heat to reduce the drying of the tree.
• Always check your light sets before placing them on the tree and replace any worn or damaged sets with new ones.
• Do not overload electrical outlets or circuits and turn off tree lights when leaving the house or going to bed.
• Check the tree, regularly, for freshness. Keep it well-watered to prevent desiccation.
• Once the tree becomes dry, remove it from your home as soon as possible.

I further urge everyone to remain vigilant and cautious with the use of new gadgets, toys, and battery-powered devices. These tools bring great convenience, but they also come with potential risks. Please take the time to read and follow the manufacturers’ recommendations for their safe use and operation.

I also want to emphasise the critical importance of caring for others. Never drive or operate equipment while under the influence of alcohol, or other mind-altering substances. Your well-being and the safety of our community depend on responsible choices. Drive to stay alive.

I take this opportunity to express my deep gratitude to our phenomenal Fire Service team. Your unwavering dedication, hard work, and professionalism continue to inspire me, every day. Whether you are on the frontlines responding to emergencies or working behind the scenes to ensure that our operations run smoothly, your commitment to service is at the heart of what makes us strong. I am truly proud to lead such a remarkable team, and I thank each of you for your sacrifice, courage, and loyalty.

As we look forward to 2025 – a milestone year in which the Fire Service will celebrate 70 years of service – we remain committed to advancing our mission.

This anniversary is not just a reflection of our journey, but also an opportunity to strengthen our collaboration with the community and build upon the foundation we have laid, together. We hope you will join us in commemorating this important chapter in our history, through the various events and initiatives planned for the coming year.

Finally, let us not forget those in our community who may be facing difficulties during this season. Whether through an act of kindness, support for a neighbour or a contribution to a local charity, we can all play a part in spreading hope and joy to those who need it the most. This is the true spirit of the season and a reflection of the compassion that defines us as a community.

On behalf of the Fire Service, I wish you all a Merry Christmas filled with peace, joy, safety, and a New Year of health, prosperity, and unity. Thank you for allowing us to serve you, and please know that we will always stand ready to protect and support you.

From Chief Fire Officer, Errol Maynard.

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