For the most part, the people who would normally frequent Baliser Avenue – workers at the San Fernando Licensing office, the Forestry Division and even Southern Sales and Services – were all enjoying their Sunday at home or with family and preparing for the week of work. However, there was one group of dedicated people, fire officers, who were on their jobs on Sunday, facing a raging bush fire opposite the Licensing Office that threatened the three buildings and reduced visibility significantly for drivers.
[caption id="attachment_1075711" align="alignnone" width="683"] A leaky water hose sprays water in the air and on the ground as firefighters use it to battle a blaze on Balisier Avenue, San Fernando, on Sunday. - Jeff Mayers[/caption]
But, as was reported last week in the Newsday, these officers had to face the flames without proper equipment, risking their lives to fight the fire.
Newsday photographer Jeff K Meyers spotted the officers charging into the smoke and flames only protected partially by fire-retarding pants, t-shirts, boots and suspenders. Officers had oxygen tanks but no breathing apparatus. Instead they wore berets on their heads, more for their bravery than their safety.
[caption id="attachment_1075709" align="alignnone" width="1024"] A firefighter stands in the smoke without the benefit of proper personal protective equipment as he battles a bush blaze on Balisier Avenue, San Fernando, on Sunday. - Jeff Mayers[/caption]
One officer cautioned Meyers, saying that there were tires burning among the bushes.
“If you want to have children, camera man, don’t inhale that,” the officer said before charging into the smoke himself.
They also had to grapple with faulty equipment such as leaky hoses.
[caption id="attachment_1075712" align="alignnone" width="1024"] A firefighter can barely be seen through the smoke as he battles a bush blaze on Balisier Avenue, San Fernando, without the benefit of proper personal protective equipment on Sunday. - Jeff Mayers[/caption]
Last week fire officers spoke out, saying their duty as fire officers was hindered because of a lack of equipment, after a fire in Penal on Easter Monday almost claimed the lives of six fire officers.
[caption id="attachment_1075713" align="alignnone" width="1024"] One of four firefighters enjoys the benefit of a breathing mask as the officers battle a bush blaze on Balisier Avenue, San Fernando, on Sunday. - Jeff Mayers[/caption]
One fire officer expressing concern for the lives of his team and himself said, “The next call I go on and we are put in a position where we do not have the necessary instruments, John Public is going to die.”
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