Renovation works at the Virgin Islands Fire and Rescue Service Headquarters in Road Town are now in the third phase. Photo: Facebook

Chief Fire Officer Zebalon A. McClean said the renovations became necessary following damage sustained to the structure during Hurricane Irma in 2017. Photo: Facebook

Fire officers stationed at the Road Town Fire Station remain committed to serving the public despite the challenge posed by ongoing renovation works. Photo: Facebook

The three phase renovation to the Virgin Islands Fire and Rescue Service Headquarters in Road Town is being done by Trojan Design and Development Limited. Photo:Facebook

Chief Fire Officer (CFO) Zebalon A. McClean told The Big Story on JTV Channel 55 on May 29, 2025, that the renovations became necessary following damage sustained to the structure during Hurricane Irma in 2017. 

Phase one included the replacement of the roof, and phase two included furnishing the downstairs, making the space comfortable for fire officers, the CFO said. 

This current phase includes the demolition of the existing appliance bay and its reconstruction. 

“A brand new appliance bay is going to go up with four slots. It's also going to be raised a bit, and we're going to be using the top for different purposes.”

In August 2024, a one million, thirty-five thousand, three hundred and sixty-nine dollars and seventy-five cents contract was signed with Trojan Design and Development Limited for the improvement works. 

The old structure served its purpose well

CFO McClean added that the renovation works represent not only an extension to the fire headquarters but a general upgrade. 

“We’re going to be using it for different other things. Also, the main concern, of course, was for the safety of the officers.”

The structure had been erected in 1990, he explained and said he believes it has served its purpose well, adding, “There is some concern because that was also impacted during the hurricane.”

Search still on for temporary location

While the CFO is grateful for the upgrades to the fire station, he said the officers are now working on an active construction site. 

“We have been trying to find some alternative accommodations for the staff. Unfortunately, we have not yet been successful. It is quite difficult to operate in these conditions…It's not just the noise, but it's the vibrations as well, and of course, the resulting dust.”

He said working under these conditions is not easy, and it is not recommended to work on a construction site. 

“I don’t like the idea of the officers having to work in these conditions.”

CFO McClean explained that moving also means moving all the necessary equipment to the temporary location. 

“It would require not only moving the appliances, but also quite an array of communications equipment, telephones, radios, and that sort of thing, as well as accommodations for the electronic servers…Unfortunately, when it comes to a fire station or police station or an ambulance service, you need accommodations that are specific to fit their needs.”

Committed to serving the public

Despite the current conditions of the fire station, Mr McClean said the fire officers will do their best to serve the public.

“Our number one mandate is to save lives, and even in the light of this, we are not going to compromise our ability to respond.”

He also thanked the public for their continued support and understanding. 

“There are a lot of things that we need, and public support sometimes, most times, often lends a strong hand in doing that…When it comes to firefighting, we're the ones with the trucks and the uniforms and the equipment, but it's usually a community effort.”