Fire Chief Lawrence David has debunked allegations critical of his firemen and their operations on Christmas Day when they went to fight the fire that destroyed Sacred Heart Roman Church, the school and another building in the compound.
Mr. David said that from records, a call came in at 9:06 am and the commanding officer at the Central Fire Station at the time dispatched four fire tenders to the scene. The tenders were dispatched from the Central Fire station, Alberttown and West Ruimveldt .
“Upon arrival to the scene, the Church was ablaze and the northern and southern sections of the school were also on fire,” David said.
He said that investigations revealed that the fire resulted from a short circuit of an electrical appliance in the crib at the altar. Due to the combustible material in the crib the fire spread quickly even as the congregation panicked, leaving the fire to spread uncontrollably.
Mr. David also expressed concern about the length of time before the first call was made. This is often the case when a fire breaks out, he said.
“Getting a call almost immediately is critical because it gives us an opportunity to perform our duties more effectively and efficiently. And I am not making excuses, but it took 16 minutes before the Service was informed,” said David.
Apart from the four tenders at the scene, the fire men resorted to fire hydrants on Main and Middle Streets as well as drains in and around Carmichael and Main Streets.
He added that the type of materials in the building caused the rapid spread of the fire.
The Fire Department is concerned about the carelessness when there are faulty electrical installations in close proximity to highly combustible materials.