The Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB), in collaboration with the United States Forest Service (USFS), delivered a wildland/bush fire investigation training in Antigua & Barbuda on May 17.

Through the USFS’ Natural Infrastructure for Caribbean Resilience (NICaR) programme, the training for key stakeholders in the country focused on wildland fire observations and origin scene protection for first responders, the first of its kind in Antigua.

Delivered by five wildland fire investigation instructors from the Jamaica Fire Brigade and USFS fire prevention technician Dawn Sanchez – the training marked another first with it being delivered by regional instructors.

The team of instructors from the JFB have been engaged in wildland fire investigation since 2018.

The level one course engaged approximately 50 participants including representatives from the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda; Wallings Nature Reserve Inc.; Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Barbuda Affairs; Ministry of Health and Environment; National Office of Disaster Services; Air Traffic Control Department; NGOs and other organisations.

Inspector Yvette Henry, head of the Fire Prevention Unit at the Antigua & Barbuda Fire Prevention Department, lauded the training for enhancing the department’s fire investigative capabilities and public engagement efforts.

“The NICaR wildland fire investigation training was very informative. We learned a lot, including crucial details to look for in responding to wildland fires and insights into scene preservation. This training has equipped us to better identify the causes of fires and enhance public education on preventing wildland fires,” she noted.

“It was an opportunity of a lifetime to be working together with our Caribbean colleagues from different cultures and backgrounds to achieve a common goal of protecting our forest from the destruction of wildland fires” said JFB district officer Christopher Brown.

Brown, who travelled to Antigua, further noted that the regional exchange “will only lead to strengthening our relationship by building trust and understanding through shared experiences and training”.

The training coincided with the Caribbean Association of Fire Chiefs (CAFC) meeting in Puerto Rico which was attended by JFB Deputy Commissioner Kevin Haughton where he was elected as vice president. 

In his assessment of the training workshop, Haughton highlighted the impact of the knowledge exchange from a regional standpoint.

“The collaboration between the Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) and the US Forest Service to deliver wildland fire investigation training in Antigua & Barbuda is a significant step for regional wildland fire investigation capacity. This initiative means that fire services in the Caribbean are adopting advanced techniques and knowledge from experts, in enhancing their ability to investigate and manage wildland fires effectively. This training not only improves the skill set of local fire investigators but also fosters a culture of knowledge sharing and professional development across the region. As a result, Caribbean fire services are better equipped to identify the causes of wildland fires, which is crucial for prevention and mitigation strategies.”

Haughton also commented that the training augured well for future regional partnerships. “Additionally, it sets a precedent for future collaborative efforts in fire management across the Caribbean. By building a network of well-trained fire investigators, the region can develop more comprehensive and unified fire management strategies, leveraging collective resources and knowledge. This collaboration paves the way for continuous improvement and innovation in fire management practices, ultimately leading to a safer and more resilient Caribbean in the face of wildland fire threats.”

The regional training also builds on the hosting of the NICaR Wildland Fire Academy in Jamaica in 2023, where 35 firefighters from across 13 Caribbean countries were trained.