MAKE SURE YOU include the Barbados Fire Service in any new developments, especially high rise buildings.

This reminder from Chief Fire Officer Chesterfield Mayers yesterday during the National Housing Corporation's (NHC) 35th anniversary church service at All Souls Anglican Church, Bank Hall,
St Michael.

He said it was important for the service to be involved during the planning phase so things like escape routes could be properly placed.

"We are not always involved with every building project so this was just a reminder to involve us so we don't have to come back and say: 'Knock it down,'" he said.

In response, Minister of Housing and Lands, Michael Lashley, who attended the service, said he readily accepted the suggestion and would ensure the fire service would always be involved.

NHC general manager Vincent Alleyne
said the corporation usually consulted the
fire service with all
their projects so he was
a little surprised at Mayers' comment.

As for high rise building locations, he identified areas such as Country Park, Tweedside Road and Eckstein Village.

By the end of March, 29 house fires were recorded.

On March 23, Anita Griffith, 44, perished after she was unable to get out of the Constitution Road, The City, building familiarly known as the Urban Adult College. (CA)