A fire that destroyed the Computer World Building in Bois d’Orange, on Friday night, has been linked to several operational challenges faced by firefighters, including restricted building access and the presence of hazardous materials, according to the Saint Lucia Fire Service (SLFS).
The SLFS says it received the high-priority distress call at 8:54 p.m. on March 6, following which units from the Gros Islet and Babonneau Fire Stations, the George Charles Fire Hall, and Fire Service Headquarters were immediately dispatched to the scene.
“Firefighting efforts were complicated by restricted access to the building and the presence of hazardous materials, including chemical storage and energy storage equipment and batteries,” the SLFS stated. “Due to the rapid spread of the fire, crews initiated a multi-point attack to bring the blaze under control.”
The entire building sustained extensive damage.
Authorities said the fire was contained as of Saturday morning; however, firefighters remain on the scene tending to ‘persistent reignitions’ and will remain until the structure has fully cooled.
Further details regarding the exact cause of the fire have not yet been provided.
However, the SLFS issued a cautionary warning regarding the use of new technologies, specifically lithium-ion cells.
“The potential for continuous reignition, the limited effects of extinguishing agents and the infiltration of these uses have compounded the risks associated with firefighting efforts,” it said. “We continue to ask the public to remain knowledgeable about the use and potential risks associated with these new technologies.”
Fire authorities also expressed gratitude to the Water and Sewerage Company (WASCO), LUCELEC, and members of the general public for their cooperation.
There might just be a serial arsonist in this place. Don’t rule that out
Since when are UPS\lithium batteries new technology. I hope the SLFS take this as a warning. They need to get with the times. With all these hybrid/EV cars on the road what’s going to happen when they catch fire?
Why do we live in controversy? Why can’t it be, the power went off, everyone left and someone forgot something on which started the fire when the power came back. Maybe it was a faulty appliance.
That is a terrible excuse in the year of our Lord 2026. The laws exist…. If you have to tear down a wall to stop a fire from spreading.., that’s what you do. (The building was primarily glass) So access resolved.
The technology exist…. On top of the foreknowledge what’s is the building, it’s potential chemical make… There are other forms of fire suppressing technology built for such situations. I am certain there is one member who’s advocated for such developments in the service and are either being ignored and or chastised if they’re persistent about it. That’s just how st. Lucia organisations and business work
Commendations to the fire service, red cross, Police,… KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.
MY BIGGEST LESSON LEARNT IS THAT OUR COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS SPRINKLER SYSTEM MUST BE MADE WITH METAL OR COPPER PIPES.
Thanks SLFS for your response to this sad event! On another note, this article is a lame excuse- you have all authority to create access as your expert knowledge deems necessary! We are a country rife with development, this was only a storey building; farless for the mucho 6-10 storey hotels that are popping up all over the place. Please get with the times. To the policy makers, the SLFS needs all the financial support needed to serve the country and understand that there are consequences with development.
This is another reason why WATER should take precedence’s over every new structure being built commercial, or residential taking more nd all of our beach access up north and for every big Jazz,Carnival party coming up…Wasco has sent water to Cap estate since before Christmas 6 x, this is inexcusable and abhoration at its worst…, and NOW this is the result… the fireman didn’t have water access, pump access nothing to stop this fire destroying the Holistic Therapy School which has been in existence for over 20 years just like the employees of Computer World, over 20 years!!!. Can government help relocate these business and school to a new development, these people need assistance ASAP.