Fire Department

The Belize National Fire Service was established in 1846, prompted after a series of fires that have ravaged sections of Belize. Before there were no organized Firefighting Body, there was only the Fire Brigade which consisted of the Bucket Brigade, Horse drawn Unit, followed by the Stern Engine Unit, after which came the famous La France Fire Engines, the Dennis Water Tender, Leyland, Bedford, Chubb Carmichael and some of the most modern firefighting truck today.

In 1924 the Belize Fire Brigade was formally establish serving the Belize District. During 1946 - 1948 the Belize Fire Brigade was extended to the District Towns. In 1968, the Belize Fire Brigade name was changed to the Belize National Fire Service and appointed its first local Fire Chief Mr. Stephen Heusner who served from 1968 - 1975, followed by Mr. Harold Gabourel from 1975-1979. Mr. Henry Baizar from 1993 – 2008 and current Fire Chief , Mr. John Briggs.

Today The Belize National Fire Service has a staff of 100 fire fighters and growing.

THE PROTECTORS

The Belize National Fire Service came into effect in 1846 and over the years has develop and improve significantly.

The Department is finance by the Government of Belize, and functions under the command of the Fire Chief, Assistant Fire Chief and other supplementary staff.

The first duty of the Fire Service is to save lives and property and in order to ensure maximum efficiency recruit firefighters undergo intensive training for a period of three (3) months. This training involves a study of chemistry of combustion, hydraulics, hose and hose construction, care of hose during use, first aid, foot drills, pump and ladder drills etc.

There are numerous opportunities for advancement in the Fire Service of today and although the life of a firefighter can be demanding, it has its rewards knowing that in spite of the dangers involved he has the courage to serve his country.

In the era of high rise building and the never ceasing demand of a greater degree of firefighting technology, it is evident that, with the march of time, the Fire Service today has come a long way from the days of bucket parade. Under the command of the previous Fire Chief Henry Baizar aided by his assistant Mr. Ted Smith, the Fire Department is equipped with some of the most modern firefighting appliances, included the famous Ladder Truck.

THE LADDER TRUCK

The ladder truck was commissioned in 2001 and is based in Belize City and is undoubtedly an asset to our Fire Service in this day and time of high-rise buildings.

The unit which is one of the most highly equipped and sophisticated fire truck carries a double articulated boom with an enclosed rail platform that can be elevated to 100 ft and can be operated by “push button” either from the platform itself or from the engine below.

The ladder truck can be used by firefighters to direct water or high expansion firefighting foam with great precision onto inaccessible areas of a blaze. Another use of this vehicle is for the rescue of person (s) trapped in multi storey buildings such as hotel, apartments and offices. The ladder truck has been called upon for some major fires such as the Paslow Building fire in 2002, SP Plaza 2000 at Corozal Free Zone in 2000 and Romac’s fire in 2008.

DISPATCH OFFICERS

The Fire Department has a body of five (5) females who are responsible for the manning of the Watch Room. The Watch Room is regarded as the nerve centre of the Department as it is here that all Fire calls are received and processed before the appropriate stations are informed and units are dispatched to the scene. It is also the responsibility of these women to operate the VHF Radio System which are installed in the watch room to maintain contact and communication between Headquarters and fire vehicle at the fire Scene.

• San Pedro Fire Station established – 2000
• Caye Caulker Fire Station established – 2002
• 1st Brigade in 1846/ 48 F/F
• 1878 – V/FF with 19 persons
• 1917 & 1918 – 3 major fires Us was brought in for assistance
• 1919 modern fire apparatus
• 1924 Fire Brigade established
• 1946 1948 – to the Districts
• 1968 – Fire Brigade – National Fire Service under Ch. 137

Major Fires

1802 – 1st Fire
1863 – 500 houses including church – believed to be arson.
1918 – Court House & Library – Governor W. Hart Bennett died by a falling Flagstaff.
1950 – 13 houses – 105 homeless
1975 – 31 Building – 182 homeless
1981 – Income Tax Building & 5 others destroyed
1993 – 13 destroyed

Mission:
The Belize National Fire Service shall create a safer Belize from fires and explosives hazards for its people through public education and highly trained personnel working in cooperation with other relevant agencies and organizations.

Vision:
To make Belize safer from fires and other explosive hazards by the year 2013 through an efficient and effective fire service.

Motto: To protect Life and property.