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Since 1986 VIF&RS requested turntable ladder to access tall buildings– CFO McLean

- issue has become an area of concern with the erecting of tall buildings in the VI
A turntable ladder (TL) is a power-operated extending and revolving ladder mounted on a fire engine/truck. Photo:classicfireengines.co.uk
 Chief Fire Officer (CFO) Mr Zebalon A. McLean told the recent Standing Finance Committee (SFC) that the Fire and Rescue Services Department has been lobbying the Government for a ladder to access taller buildings without success since 1986. Photo: VINO/File
Chief Fire Officer (CFO) Mr Zebalon A. McLean told the recent Standing Finance Committee (SFC) that the Fire and Rescue Services Department has been lobbying the Government for a ladder to access taller buildings without success since 1986. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Chief Fire Officer (CFO) Mr Zebalon A. McLean told the recent Standing Finance Committee (SFC) that the Fire and Rescue Services Department has been lobbying the Government for a ladder to access taller buildings without success since 1986.

A turntable ladder (TL) is a power-operated extending and revolving ladder mounted on a fire engine/truck.

The CFO was questioned by Representative for the Third District Honourable Julian Fraser (RA) on whether there is a concern with the current trend of persons erecting six-floor buildings and the department’s inability to access those buildings.

“The CFO replied the issue of not being able to get to the upper floors has been a concern for the Fire Service since 1986. His predecessor, former CFO Stoutt has made several submissions to government for the purchase of a turntable ladder that would allow the officers the ability to get water to the upper floors,” the SFC report said.

He said to this date, “we have not been able to acquire one and it remains a concern. There is the ability to get to the third floor.” 

No current legislation 

Honourable Fraser then questioned Mr McLean on the role he plays in the construction of buildings. 

The CFO replied that Virgin Islands Fire and Rescue serves on the Planning Committee and, “our role is to advise the composition of that committee and developers on the types of fire safety components that should be installed in the buildings.”

He stated that currently, “There is no legislation that compels them [developers] to do so.”

Hon Fraser asked if any legislation was brought to the attention of the lawmakers in order to address the issues of your department, and CFO McLean said that the Fire Code that serves the territory has been submitted to the Ministry in draft 2015 and then during 2017. 

He added: “After approval, there are specific sections that would allow us to reasonably compel the developers to have these components installed.”

In the meantime, Leader of the Opposition Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8) questioned the CFO, "pertaining to the installation of suppression systems and the different various systems within these buildings do you have a responsibility to ensure that they are up to spec before occupancy?"

The CFO responded that his responsibility is to ensure that "all persons involved in the development process are aware of the danger if you do not properly install these systems.”

11 Responses to “Since 1986 VIF&RS requested turntable ladder to access tall buildings– CFO McLean”

  • Mud boar (24/01/2022, 19:17) Like (5) Dislike (3) Reply
    They dont get it election soon come keep calm keep your fingers cross.
  • ABC (24/01/2022, 19:20) Like (1) Dislike (4) Reply
    Thing to tell the king
  • Sam (24/01/2022, 19:52) Like (2) Dislike (4) Reply
    It is all about cruise ships passengers we only important a few days before the elections
  • Webster (24/01/2022, 21:18) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    They’ll probably get it in 2026 (40 years later).
  • black (24/01/2022, 21:34) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply
    Same BS from day 1. Going to standing finance is a waste of time. Politicians ask the same BS every year and don't do squat. If the fire crew had balls they would let the country burn the #@"* to the ground then they would get the proper equipment to work with.
    Government talk bout BVI love and don't have any idea of what love is. It's just a slogan for them. A day is going to come that we all will regret. If you think Irma was bad you better wake the hell up my people.
  • given away (24/01/2022, 21:46) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
    where is the big sterling fire truck?
  • Proactive (24/01/2022, 22:15) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    The truth of the matter is that nothing happens until someone or something is in danger. We are not a proactive people
  • LCS (25/01/2022, 06:22) Like (1) Dislike (9) Reply
    Why wait for Government all those years? Organize a fund raiser or various, raffles, cookie sales, etc to make money for it. Most of the time they are idle playing table games at the station. Thank u for ur service.
    • black (25/01/2022, 16:34) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      @ LCS WTF are you really serious? Fund raising for the government to do the right thing for it's people?
      Guess you don't live in the same BVI like the rest of us .
      They can find money for everything else except for the things that are priority.
  • In time (25/01/2022, 21:22) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Gub’mint wil be promising to get one after a few people die in a high rise fire. How the movie theater or Quito’s hotel were allowed to be built without the existence of fire equipment/ladders that can reach the upper floors is borderline criminal. Concrete doesn’t burn, but the synthetic furnishings do, and fast and deadly. Just a matter of time.


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