CLAIMS of mismanagement and neglect of the Fire Service, along with poor maintenance and misuse of vehicles by fire officers, have been blamed as major factors for the current state of the service.

Fire-fighters say they have been struggling to keep up with the demands of the job, dousing numerous bush fires, homes on fire, and other emergencies owing to lack of equipment and fire tenders.

Within recent years there has been a delay in the emergency response time because of a lack of equipment which has compromised the safety of people and their assets.

In the past, the Occupation, Safety and Health Agency have issued prohibition notices to close several stations owing to structural deficiencies and electrical problems.

But even with a wall of obstacles, fire officers have managed to save the country a little over $1.6 billion, according to data from the Fire Prevention Unit between 2019 and 2022.

The need for more resources has intensified, especially after victims perish in residential fires.

The most recent tragedy occurred on April 1, in Siparia, where Kemba Morris, 42, and her eight-year-old daughter Zaya died in a house fire after they were trapped by burglar proofing. The incident prompted the Prime Minister to issue a public appeal for greater awareness by homeowners who live in burglar-proofed homes.

A distress call to the Siparia Fire Station was made after 5 pm, minutes after the fire ignited, but the Penal Fire Station had to respond because the Siparia station does not have a functional fire truck.

[caption id="attachment_1009947" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Derelict vans parked at the Woodbrook Fire Station on April 4. - ANGELO MARCELLE[/caption]

In the aftermath, Fire Services Association president Leo Ramkissoon lashed out at the government for failing to provide the necessary resources which could have prevented the Siparia tragedy.

In separate interviews, two retired members of the Fire Service executive surmised that neglect, unkept promises and insufficient was responsible for the deterioration of the service.

Ramkissoon said of 25 stations throughout TT, there are eight operating without a fire truck. These stations are Belmont, Morvant, Chaguaramas, Chaguanas, Santa Cruz, San Juan, Siparia and Point Fortin. On April 6, trucks were assigned to the San Juan and Four Roads, Maraval stations.

These trucks also carry protective gear and other life-saving equipment for fire-fighters. Over the years, damaged fire trucks and other vehicles have been left to rot at some of these stations.

Ramkissoon said the service has been running short on trucks, breathing apparatus and without proper infrastructure for some time.

One breathing-apparatus unit can cost as much as $75,000. One fire truck costs approximately $2 million and it usually took 18 months to procure a custom-made fire truck suited for TT.

One retired senior fire officer, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said the fire service has not been treated with the same urgency of the Defence Force and other ar