GREAT BAY, Sint Maarten (GIS) – Honorable Prime Minister Sarah Wescot-Williams, would like to applaud fire fighters in their handling of a huge bush fire that started Thursday night in the hillsides of lower Suckergarden, Middle Region and Defiance.
Homes in certain areas had to be evacuated as a precautionary measure in order to protect human life. One young person was apparently treated for smoke inhalation by emergency services on the scene.
Fire personnel used their professional training to fight the fire by other means after concluding that accessibility to the area was limited. Heavy equipment was brought in and a firebreak was cut through part of the hillside.
The fire later burnt itself out and an investigation has been initiated to determine the cause of the fire since it happened during the evening hours.
A total of 28 fire personnel were involved in the operation along with four fire fighting vehicles.
"I take my hats off to all emergency service personnel who were involved in the coordination and management of what could have been a disastrous event if the fire would have destroyed homes in the surrounding neighborhoods.
"Police, fire personnel as well as personnel from the ambulance department, I have been informed, worked in a well coordinated manner in dealing with the fire emergency and I commend them all for their professionalism.
"I thank the Almighty that there was no loss of life and no damage to property," Hon. Prime Minister Wescot-Williams told the Government Information Service (GIS).
The Fire Department falls under the responsibility of the Ministry of General Affairs which falls under the Office of the Prime Minister.