The Saint Lucia Fire Service has reported a series of emergency responses across the island over the New Year’s weekend, dealing with incidents ranging from fires and traffic accidents to violent assaults.
Fire Service Press Officer Sherise John outlined the first major incident, which occurred on New Year’s Day.
At approximately 7:10 a.m. on Thursday, January 1, 2026, fire officers responded to a gas container explosion at Coolie Town. On arrival, crews were directed to a two-storey wooden and concrete structure where, according to a relative on the scene, an adult male and a nine-year-old female sustained injuries after a gas container became engulfed in flames. The fire was extinguished with assistance from bystanders, and both victims received initial medical treatment before being transported to a medical facility for advanced care.
Later that morning, at about 11:42 a.m., fire officers responded to a traffic-related incident along Chaussee Road, Castries, involving a motor vehicle and a pedestrian. A nine-year-old male was found seated at the roadside with visible lacerations and abrasions to his body. He was treated at the scene and subsequently transported to hospital for further medical attention.
Violence-related emergencies were also among the incidents attended by the Fire Service. On Sunday, January 4, at approximately 2:33 p.m., officers responded to a report of a physical assault at Corinth, Gros Islet. An adult male was found with multiple lacerations to his upper extremities and swelling to the side of his head. The victim reported that he had been assaulted by a known individual using a sharp cutlass and a blunt hammer-like tool. He was treated by fire officers and transported to a medical facility for advanced care.
Earlier that same day, shortly after midnight at around 12:42 a.m., fire crews were dispatched to a structural fire on Chaussee Road, Castries. On arrival, a two-storey concrete building was observed with smoke emanating from the upper level. Firefighters gained entry, contained, and extinguished the blaze. The scene was later handed over to officers of the Criminal Investigations Department, with the origin and cause of the fire now under investigation.
Another fire incident was recorded on Saturday, January 3, at approximately 5:13 p.m., when officers responded to an outdoor grease fire at a temporary cooking station at Assou Square on Laborie Street, Castries. The occupant of the booth reported that flames erupted from deep fryers and that initial attempts to suppress the fire with water were unsuccessful. The blaze was eventually brought under control using a portable fire extinguisher.
In response to these incidents, the
Saint Lucia Fire Service has reiterated an important public safety advisory. The Service is urging members of the public to ensure that portable fire extinguishers are readily available at all events where food is being prepared, whether using gas or coal, and has emphasized that fire extinguishers are equally important for use in homes.
The Fire Service continues to remind the public to exercise caution, particularly during festive periods, as officers remain on standby to respond to emergencies island-wide.
