NFS in Belize City Split between Two Locations

Colin Gillett

It’s been over a month since the National Fire Service had to vacate the property it called headquarters for decades after the previous U.D.P. administration sold the fire station to Atlantic Bank before the General Elections. They have had to split into two locations – at the Marion Jones Sporting Complex and a house on Sunrise Avenue, about a block away from BERT Ambulance. It isn’t ideal for the department which responds to emergencies, but Fire Chief Colin Gillett says that they are making use of what they have.

Colin Gillett, Fire Chief, National Fire Service

“We sold the old fire station located at number one Cleghorn Street; it had a lotta issues. There were a lot of things that needed to be fixed on the building and the congestion in that area wasn’t suitable for our trucks. So in trying to maximise the funds, we came up with an idea to build smaller stations so that we have more coverage in more areas. So here in Belize City, we have separated administration from operations. Marion Jones Stadium is temporary until we get a building fixed or built on the north side. And when we build the admin building on Chetumal Street it will house fire safety, it will house admin and the mechanics. We will have another fire truck there which will give us coverage in the Belama area. So with the help of Dolphin Street on the south side, we will be able to triangulate our coverage which we will then be able to maximise how fast we get to a fire scene.”

While he could not confirm the amount paid for the rental of both spaces, News Five is reliably informed that between both locations six thousand dollars in monthly rent fees are being paid; two thousand for the house on Sunrise Avenue which hosts the administration section and four thousand dollars to the National Sports Council for the use of the space at the Marion Jones Sporting Complex.