The reality of a destructive house fire starting in the kitchen was convincingly acted out to schoolchildren and adults attending demonstrations held by the Anguilla Fire and Rescue Service several days ago.
The firefighters were at the time observing Fire Prevention Week during which they undertook to make the public aware of their developing skills, readiness to ensure the safety of all persons, and how householders can assist in protecting themselves.
The demonstrations, in the courtyard of the James Ronald Webster Building on Friday, October 11, attracted a large number of schoolchildren. Many of them, accompanied by fire officers, participated in some of the exercises. The activities included extinguishing fires – set in containers – using both powdery and liquid substances.
The main demonstration was performed in a kitchen set-up scene. The kitchen attendant was presumed to have placed a frying pan containing cooking oil on a lighted stove before leaving for another room in the house. On the person’s return, the oil in the frying pan was ablaze. In panic, the person threw water in the cooking utensil only to cause a massive explosion of fire and intense heat.The demonstration was performed by a fire officer much to the alarm of the school children as flames and hot oil shot into the air – something that could have caused a house fire.
Other demonstrations included a spectacular rescue of a supposedly injured man from the roof of a building by a group of firemen, much to the applause of the onlookers.
Though there are few fires occurring in Anguilla, the fire officers are constantly engaged in various training exercises in preparation for any incidents at the Clayton Lloyd International Airport, where the Fire Station is based,as well as any domestic fires on the island.
The exercises were supervised by Jim Bunting, Fire Service Consultant, with explanations by Shondell Hodge, Fire Station Officer.
