BFRS: Devonshire Marsh Fire Is Under Control

[Updated + Written by Don Burgess]

The Devonshire Marsh fire is under control.

Divisional Commander Mark Taylor told Bernews the fire was “finally contained” prior to 3:20 pm. “We’re just doing some mop-up work now. We’re wetting down some hot spots.”

As he was speaking a water truck had arrived, and the fire engine connected its hose to it to spray down one of those hot spots.

“We’ll probably remain on scene for a few hours, but we’re starting to scale down with the amount of equipment and personnel,” he said.

The firefighters had to deal with high winds blowing the flames around, but their quick action helped

“We protected all the adjacent structures around there – the warehouses like Noah’s Ark, which were threatened initially,” Divisional Commander Taylor said. “There was no physical damage to any private property or commercial property.”

He added, “There were also a few houses threatened on the Middle Road area, which we protected as well. The fire has been contained to the marsh.”

The Divisional Commander said the Bermuda Fire Service did recommend that several homes on the Middle Road area be evacuated.

“We had Police assist us to get people in the immediate area of the marsh to vacate their premises in case the fire spread.”

Because of the fire, First Baptist 134 Youth will not hold their regularly scheduled Saturday night meeting.

The fire started just after 8am in Devonshire marsh, by the Island Construction property.

The Bermuda Police Service blocked roads and diverted traffic along Middle Road and Vesey Streets to allow the Fire Service to get the fire under control.

Update 5.54pm: A police spokesperson said, “As of 5pm today [March 17th] the Bermuda Fire & Rescue Service confirmed that the fire is contained.

“There have been no reports of any property damage at this time. As a result, traffic diversions in the area are no longer in effect. The Bermuda Police Service would like to thank the motoring public for their patience and cooperation.”

Update 7.00pm:  The BFRS said, “At approximately 8:22am on Saturday, March 17th, 2018, the Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service [BFRS] responded to a report of a brush fire near the Island Construction in Devonshire.

Fire Service spokesperson, Lieutenant Russann Francis, states that “initial reports are that there was heavy smoke with flames that rushed from the area near Island Construction garage yard and were heading toward the Middle Road and Brighton Hill Road junction in Devonshire.

“Due to the high winds, which severely posed a challenge for firefighters, embers from the flames were blown to areas of dry trees and grass which caused the fire to spread. We quickly responded by dividing resources to make a 3-point attack which helped to restrict further spread of the blaze to any exposures.

“The fire was eventually brought under control at approximately 3:00pm with the roads open to traffic; however, crews will remain in the area during the daylight hours for the purpose of wetting down hot-spots and areas of concern to prevent the potential of re-ignition. We responded to the incident with all available vehicles and personnel.

”At this time the BFRS would like to take the opportunity to thank the motoring public for their patience as we worked to get the flames under control.

“We would like to thank all members of the public who assisted by providing water to extinguish the flames, and for those who provided refreshments for our firefighters. We also thank the Bermuda Police Service for their assistance in securing the roads for everyone’s safety.

”All roads are now accessible to the public.”

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Category: Accidents and fires, All, News