The Government firmly stands by the multi-million dollar investment aimed at upgrading and refurbishing the operations of the Saint Lucia Fire Services department, asserting that it will significantly impact future endeavours.
For years, the island’s firefighters have struggled with outdated and inadequate equipment, but now the Saint Lucia Fire Service is undergoing its most substantial upgrade in decades. The previous unreliability of fire appliances and the lack of trained personnel were failing to meet the island’s increasing emergency demands.
According to official sources, after years of dealing with aging appliances, insufficient ambulance coverage, and chronic staffing shortages, this administration’s decisive investment is effectively transforming the situation. A substantial amount of funding is being allocated to modernise the island’s emergency response capabilities and strengthen frontline capacity.
Ditney Downes, Chief Fire Officer, highlights the challenges faced by firefighters.
“The situation in Saint Lucia regarding emergency responses has been increasing daily,” Downes stated.
This year alone, the fire services unit anticipates approximately 16,000 ambulance calls.
Downes pointed out that outdated fire appliances, some dating back nearly 20 years, have been replaced. Given that fire officers attend to over 15,000 calls annually, the previous ambulances were simply not up to the task.
Despite the challenges, the situation is set to dramatically improve. Since taking office, the Philip J Pierre administration has committed more than EC$26 million to enhance the fire services department, with plans to increase this to EC$36 million for additional projects and development loans.
Funding from this loan is earmarked for five new ambulances, an additional aircraft fire-fighting appliance, and for the first time in Saint Lucia’s history, the Hewanorra International Airport (HIA) will receive four aircraft fire-fighting appliances. The George FL Charles Airport has also been equipped with two new fire-fighting appliances, facilitating operations for larger aircraft.
In addition, Downes confirmed that “every fire station across the country will receive a new domestic truck.”
In October 2024, four new ambulances were delivered to stations in Castries, Gros Islet, Micoud, and Vieux Fort, significantly improving emergency response times.
Similarly, in July 2025, two state-of-the-art fire appliances, including an airport crash tender, joined the fleet, enhancing both aviation and structural fire response capabilities in Saint Lucia.
The fire service has also welcomed 50 recruits this year—the first major intake in several years—as part of a strategic plan to strengthen manpower and boost morale.
Addressing accommodation issues for the increasingly diverse workforce is also a priority. “For the past three years, we have received substantial funding to refurbish and maintain fire stations, ensuring every fire station in Saint Lucia gets the attention it deserves,” Downes added.
This includes the installation of new furniture and other refurbishments, as well as an extension to the Soufriere Fire Station, which now boasts a training room and improved female quarters.
Looking ahead, Downes acknowledged, “Unfortunately, most of our fire stations were not designed to accommodate a growing number of female officers, so we are working on providing adequate accommodations.”
The increased budget for stations is helping to resolve these issues. The multi-million-dollar investment in the Saint Lucia Fire Service, supported by financing from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), is already yielding results.
Officials assert that while staffing and operational upgrades are ongoing, the improvements have led to faster response times and enhanced preparedness during crises.