CAYMAN ISLANDS (GIS) – The Cayman Islands Fire Service (CIFS) were called to a well-developed structural property fire in the Birch Tree Hill area of West Bay at 10.36pm on Thursday, 26 March 2020.

Crews arrived at the scene eight minutes after receiving the 911 dispatch call and found one elderly gentleman had escaped the property prior to their arrival.

The fire was extinguished as quickly as possible with the wooden structure and adjacent trailered boat completely destroyed by the fire. The elderly gentleman was rehoused with family and a full fire investigation began on Friday, 27 March 2020.

Chief Fire Officer, Paul Walker QFSM said, “I would firstly like to offer my best wishes to the gentleman following this devastating property fire and thank our responding crews and partner agencies involved in resolving this incident.“

He went on to say, “I remind residents to take extra care in their homes during these challenging times where the current restrictions lead to increased home cooking and the associated risks. CIFS continues to provide a 24 hour, 7 days a week emergency fire and rescue response and resident safety remains our number one focus”.

CIFS as part of their prevention activities provide the following kitchen safety advice.

•        Do not leave children in the kitchen alone. Keep matches and sauce pans handles out of their reach.

•        Avoid cooking when under the influence of alcohol.

•        Double check the cooker is off when you’re finished.

•        Don’t put anything metal in the microwave.