Virgin Gorda blaze was a rapidly spreading Class B fire
The Virgin Islands Fire and Rescue has indicated that there was little they could have done to save the home that was gutted by fire in South Valley, Virgin Gorda, on Monday night, July 8.
According to Deputy Fire Chief William Penn, the blaze was classified as a Class B fire, which meant it took as little as two-and-a-half minutes for it to spread.
Penn gave that indication during a brief interview with BVI News this morning following reports on social media that his department did not take initial reports of the fire seriously.
He described those claims as insulting and explained that the report came in at approximately 7:56 pm that evening. He said his department immediately proceeded to assemble a team to respond.
The Deputy Chief said they received assistance from members of the community as well as the BVI Airport Authority. He extended his gratitude to all involved in aiding to extinguish the fire, including the individuals who provided water trucks: Dwite Flax, Ricardo Flax, and Lydia Mckenzie.
Although there were no reported injuries, Penn said the fire department is investigating the cause of the fire and conducting a headcount today to confirm the safety of the building’s occupants.
Deputy Chief Penn confirmed there has been an increase in fires in Virgin Gorda; however, he stated it is common in other parts of the Virgin Islands as well.
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We need a real fire truck here not no water bladder, thank God for who we are in VG always ready ready to help
We need a real fire truck over here not police cruisers for these fat a** women to cruise around doing family errands
What does it mean “proceeded to assemble a team”?
The fire was blazing while people was filling water trucks.
After filling, it was too late.
The police and fire officers over here are lazy and just collecting the government money…when you need them can’t find them always using the government vehicles to there the personal issues…it just sickening!! Some of the officers are so out of shape how can the help you? Just fat and lazy!! Our system here is so weak!!!!