As part of Fire Safety and Awareness Week 2016, fire officers have been engaged in various activities to foster a closer relationship with the community. Photo: VINO/File

Chief Fire Officer Mr Zebalon A. McLean has been actively involved in the activities to observe Fire and Safety Awareness Week. Photo: VINO

The week of activities will come to an end on Sunday October 9, 2016 with a grand picnic at Long Bay on Beef Island.

The week, according to the Virgin Islands Fire and Rescue Services’ Chief Fire Officer (CFO) Zebalon A. McLean, is an opportunity for the fostering of closer ties with members of the public through a series of educational sessions and activities on fire safety.

“It is something that we do every day. We do lectures, we try to do public information throughout the territory and what was needed was a week to bring immediate focus over a short period of time, intense attention to fire safety principles,” the CFO remarked.

Activities

Following the church service on Sunday October 2, 2016, members and friends of VIFRS formed a motorcade moving southbound from Sea Cows Bay, into Baughers Bay, through Huntums Ghut and Lower Estate, culminating at the Fire and Rescue Services headquarters in Road Town.

The doors of the Fire and Rescue Services headquarters remained open to the public so individuals, schools, and other institutions could request tours of the building.

Officers of the VIFRS traveled to the outer islands of Jost Van Dyke, Virgin Gorda, and Anegada to spread the word through lectures and even made donations of a laminating machine and fire extinguishers. To top off each visit, a community service deed was performed.

The evenings were packed with fun activities such as domino competitions, pool tournaments and a basketball match at the Belle Vue basketball court.

Some of the highlights of the week include a marching display at the Fire Headquarters and the Iron Man Breathing Apparatus endurance challenge.

On Saturday October 8, 2016 there will be a walkathon from 5:30 A.M from the fire headquarters to the New Life Baptist Church and back to the Headquarters followed by breakfast.

Just for the children, a fun day is slated for the compound of the Fire and Rescue Services in Road Town.

The final day-Sunday October 9, 2016- will bring the curtain down with a huge beach picnic at Long Bay beach on Beef Island, kicking off from 12:30 P.M.

The week is being observed under the theme: Celebrating Fire Safety Awareness Week 2016 While Educating the Public on Potential Fire Hazards Not Seen.