Safety is a constant priority, and for the Aruba Fire Department, this means 24-hour vigilance to attend to any emergency that may arise. In a recent interview, the importance of rapid intervention and the variety of situations in which our firefighters play a crucial role in saving lives and property was highlighted.
The work of a firefighter goes far beyond simply putting out fires. They are the first responders in situations of extreme danger, providing assistance wherever the community needs them most.
Recently, during Holy Week, the 911 emergency dispatch registered a total of 105 calls, a significant portion of which required the presence of firefighters. Among the most notable cases were:
- Bush Fires: A total of 7 bush fire incidents were attended to.
- Traffic Accidents: Firefighters intervened in 3 serious car accidents. In these incidents, personnel had to use specialized equipment to extricate individuals trapped in vehicles, successfully rescuing a woman in critical condition.
- Ambulance Assistance: On 2 occasions, assistance was provided to ambulance personnel to transport patients in difficult situations.
One of the most important achievements was controlling a fire in an abandoned house on Bernhardstraat and an incident in a kitchen at Burger King. In the latter case, the fire alarm system played a decisive role.
“If you don’t report the incident in time, by the time firefighters arrive, they may find a building completely engulfed in flames,” the spokesperson explained. Thanks to the alarm system at Burger King, firefighters were able to arrive in time to prevent a major tragedy and extinguish the fire quickly.
The Fire Department emphasizes that every home should have a fire alarm system. This not only gives people a chance to exit the home in time but also allows the 911 center to notify the correct authorities as quickly as possible.
Prevention and rapid response are the two pillars that make the difference between a controlled incident and a disaster. Our firefighters remain committed to serving Aruba with the same dedication and professionalism as always, as stated by Fire Department spokesperson Francis Toussaint.