CAR BURNS UP CLOSE TO FIRE STATION

March 28, 2019

The Stony Hill fire department came in for a strong bashing from residents last Saturday after a woman watched her Toyota Yaris motor car burn beyond repair in the community square.

In the aftermath of the incident, which transpired just metres from the fire station, residents are calling on those in authority to look into the matter.

Information reaching THE STAR is that the female motorist, who also resides in Stony Hill, was driving towards the Stony Hill square about 2:45 p.m. when smoke was seen coming from under the bonnet of her car.

She stopped, exited the vehicle and attempted to gather water, but it is said that her efforts were futile.

Traffic began to build up in the area, and then a crowd gathered with curious onlookers, who feverishly made suggestions to save the burning vehicle.

"Di woman run towards the square fi help, and some people go call the fire man dem. Only fi dem say dem nuh have no truck. The woman car could save, but no truck. The car a smoke bout 10 minutes before we see fire. Suppose a did a house a burn down? A millions di woman lose weh coulda save if the fire truck did a work," one resident said.

Another resident added: "We try and help the woman, but a main road, so no water never deh bout. People use water they had, but it couldn't help. A bus man all a pass and use his extinguisher fi help cut the fire, but it done, and him just leave it. Emergency services in Jamaica need to be re-evaluated."

A female resident told our news team that there are creative ways other than water that can be used to combat a fire.

The bigger picture

"As a woman, mi feel it. Even if the truck dem nah work, no fire man from the station nuh reach pon di scene and offer no form of assistance. It nah tek dem 40 seconds from the fire station to the scene of the fire. The woman may have insurance, yes, but is the bigger picture. Somebody house coulda catch fire, and then what? The authorities dem need fi know bout this," she said.

After the incident, the roadway was cleared of debris, and the burnt-out shell of the vehicle was removed.

Superintendent Patrick Gooden, who is in charge of Kingston and St Andrew for the Jamaica Fire Brigade, confirmed the incident.

"Yes, I am aware of the incident. That is correct (about the truck being out of function). The unit had developed mechanical problem. The mechanics were notified and were to commence work on the unit the same day (Saturday). It's just rather unfortunate," he said.

THE STAR understands that a team from the Half-Way Tree Fire Station subsequently responded to the fire and provided cooling-down operations.

The Stony Hill police told THE STAR that they have a report of the incident, and they are investigating the matter.

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