ST JOHN’S, Antigua – Despite a sudden vehicular blaze, which forced a diversion of the opening day parade, and two other incidents in Cashew Hill and Jolly Harbour, firefighters say they responded to less calls than usual during the just concluded Carnival festivities.
Fire Chief Assistant Commissioner Alister Jackson attributes this to the vigilance of the general public who he said is paying keen attention to safety tips and public appeals from the fire department.
Without providing any statistics, the chief said the number of emergency calls usually increases during the party season, a time when residents are less cautious. However, this year the numbers are down, he said.
“We are pleased with the Carnival season. Sometimes we do encounter serious fires during Carnival because everyone is in a rush to party and they would leave their homes probably forgetting to unplug an iron or other electrical appliance,” Jackson continued.
He noted this is as a sure sign that the “message is hitting home.”
The fire chief went on to give details of the number of house fires experienced. In 2011, St John’s Fire Department investigated 32 home infernos. For 2012 to date, they have recorded 25.
Jackson pledged the department’s continued devotion to assisting the public of Antigua & Barbuda, while urging householders to continue to take precautionary measures at home.
