Barbados Fire Service Launches 2026 Fire Service Week With Public Events

St John Fire Station in Four Roads opened its doors to the public on Tuesday for Fire Service Week, offering equipment demonstrations, station tours, basic health checks and giveaways. Station Officer Angela Reveira said the open day was designed to get more residents interacting with firefighters, while crews also showcased Water Tender Four and other rescue gear.

The Barbados Fire Service is still short 25 to 30 officers despite 20 new firefighters graduating last week, Deputy Chief Fire Officer Henderson Patrick said. He urged qualified people to join as the service continues recruiting, while Fire Service Week also includes free public health checks and a memorial fun day for the late Divisional Officer Wayne Vaughan.

Barbados Fire Service Deputy Chief Henderson Patrick urged companies transporting hazardous materials to use vehicles suited to the weight and type of cargo, after a truck carrying 800 gallons of chlorine overturned at the Norman Niles Roundabout and ruptured two totes. He also advised moving dangerous substances in lighter traffic hours to reduce public risk.

The Barbados Fire Service hosted a Health Day at the Cadogan, Mayers, Marshall Emergency Services Complex as part of Fire Service Week, giving students and the public access to health and service information booths. Deputy Chief Fire Officer Henderson Patrick stressed the value of health checks and urged more people to join the service, which still has vacancies.

Government plans to transform the Barbados Fire Service into a broader emergency response organisation, Minister of Home Affairs and Information Gregory Nicholls said at a thanksgiving service launching Fire Service Week 2026. He said the modernisation is meant to help the service meet changing demands and improve its future role in national emergency response.

Barbados Fire Academy will undergo international accreditation assessment in about two weeks, a move Chief Fire Officer Errol Maynard said could make Barbadian firefighters’ qualifications recognised overseas and strengthen regional cooperation. The announcement came as 20 recruits graduated after completing firefighting and EMT training, while the service also highlighted shortages in training space and equipment.

Barbados has 20 new firefighters after Cohort 42 completed six months of training in fire suppression, rescue operations and emergency medical response. Minister of Home Affairs Gregory Nicholls said the government is modernising the Fire Service to strengthen disaster resilience and improve emergency response.