Manpower problem

The Hanover Fire Department is optimistic that a recruitment drive this month will assist in identifying new firefighters to help shore up the manpower resources in that division.

"Our main setback when it comes to fire is manpower. We currently have 48 firefighters and one unit with approximately 167 communities under our responsibility," said divisional commander Superintendent Paul Hibbert.

"Even having 60 men would be adequate with the unit we have."

He explained that the station should ideally have two units, and 82 personnel for its coverage area that spans 173 square miles and includes the communities of Chester Castle and Senior near Cambridge, St James, and a section of the resort town of Negril.

Fortunately for the firefighters, the tallest building in the parish is no higher than three storeys.

"We have an ambulance, one of those old Ford vehicles, being repaired and I understand that we should be getting that back shortly," stated Hibbert.

"In terms of our emergency medical service, most times Hanover is one of the divisions that have vehicles up and running."

He disclosed that the Hanover Fire Department responded to 351 fire calls between January and June. Of that number, some 283 were bush fires; 20 were structural relating to homes and business places; and the remainder were motor vehicle fires or had other special causes. In 2010, there was a total of 293 fire calls.

"The dry season, usually from December to May, sometimes affect the number of fires in the parish," noted Hibbert. "Most of the bush fires are lit by persons - like some clearing bushes - and some are spontaneous."

Fire-prevention drive

He said the fire-prevention unit was proactive and frequently checks if government buildings and business places are adhering to fire and safety measures.

"The officers do talks at schools and the youth clubs in the parish. We even do partnerships with ODPEM (Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management) and RADA (Rural Agricultural Development Authority) to educate the farmers," said Hibbert.

"We have also trained about 170 fire wardens across the parish."

The fire chief said the headquarters at the Lucea Fire Station on Cressy Lane in the parish capital is in good condition and that the two-storey building houses administrative offices, watchroom, dormitories, recreation area and a kitchen.

"We try as best as possible to maintain the resources given to us and we also conduct in-house training so that staff is kept abreast with the new trends in fire-fighting, so that when we go out we can perform our duties more effectively and efficiently."

Hibbert also shared that energy conservation is practised by the firefighters and proper care is stressed for their working equipment of helmets, boots and fire jackets.

The division is currently conducting an audit of fire hydrants across Hanover but the initiative has been met with a major setback.

"We don't have enough fire hydrants and some of what we have are not working," the fire chief said. "We are faced with some transportation problems because outside of the ambulance and the fire truck, we have no other utility vehicle."

nagra.plunkett@gleanerjm.com