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by pltm
(PLTM) - The bottom section of a building was destroyed by fire yesterday, August 16 in Greenland.
In an interview with BVI Platinum News, Fire Chief Zebalon McLean indicated that the Virgin Islands Fire and Rescue Service (VIFRS) received several calls about a house fire. Subsequently, the fire truck from the East End/Long Look Community responded to the call and was later supported by a team from the Fire Headquarters in Road Town.
"Apparently, there was a section of the home attached to the house where contents were on fire. The officers were able to get to the fire, to get it under control, before it spread to the remainder of the house," Mr. McLean stated.
He added, "This unfortunately happened because the person who started the fire, assumed it was out and left the scene. This is something that we caution residents not to do."
He stated that while the Fire and Rescue Service cannot grant permission to individuals to start fires, the team discourages against personal burning of items, especially for the purpose of waste disposal or clearing land.
"Most of the time, common sense is not applied. Persons burn too many areas, they burn too large an amount of trash, or they leave it unattended, or they have no water, or they burn in an especially dry area at an especially dry time," McLean explained.
He further noted that the fire in Greenland was also triggered by extreme dry weather conditions.
"We have to discourage burning, because of the damage it can cause. Fortunately, in this case the team was able to extinguish it, which was necessary since the house was in close proximity to other houses," he indicated.
The fire chief lauded his team for their outstanding work, which he said was also acknowledged by the public.
