ST. THOMAS, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS--On Tuesday, February 27, 2024, the Virgin Islands Fire and Emergency Medical Services (VIFEMS) battled a structural fire at the defunct Beachcomber Hotel. At approximately 1040 hours, the Hotel Co. units 101 and 207 were immediately dispatched to address the situation.  The first unit at the scene initiated a quick assessment to find an accessible entry point into the burning structure. Suppression crews met the second story of the abandoned building fully engulfed in flames. Through the coordinated efforts of the responding teams, the fire was brought under control within 15 minutes of their arrival, demonstrating the skill and determination of our firefighters in mitigating dangerous situations of any magnitude. We are relieved to report that no injuries have been associated with this incident. Following the containment of the fire, the Prevention unit was notified to investigate the cause of the blaze. The VIFEMS remains committed to uncovering the details surrounding the cause of the fire to prevent future occurrences. The Virgin Islands Fire and Emergency Medical Services is grateful to all the responding units for their exemplary service and the community's ongoing cooperation during each incident.###

ST. THOMAS, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS--On Monday, February 26, 2024, the Virgin Islands Fire and Emergency Medical Services (VIFEMS) swiftly responded to a structural fire at the Tropical Bliss Spa in the Crown Bay Center, St. Thomas. The emergency call was received at approximately 17:30 hours, prompting an immediate deployment of  Units 101 and  207. These units, alongside the Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD), encountered significant flames emanating from the spa's back room upon arrival. The coordinated efforts between VIFEMS and VIPD resulted in the successful containment of the fire within ten minutes. This response strategy was crucial in avoiding additional damage to the Crown Bay Center and ensuring public safety. Following the suppression operations, the Fire Marshal was contacted to investigate the cause and assess the  extent of the damage. Notably, no injuries were reported due to the incident. The VIFEMS and VIPD's swift and coordinated response was pivotal in this positive outcome. The Virgin Islands Fire and Emergency Medical Services remains committed to protecting the community's safety and well-being. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of fire safety and emergency preparedness. The VIFEMS extends its gratitude to the responding units for their dedication and professionalism, which were instrumental in bringing the situation under control promptly. ###​

ST. THOMAS, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS--On Friday, February 23, 2024, the Virgin Islands Fire and Emergency Medical Services (VIFEMS) contained a structural fire in Estate Solberg following a distress call received at 1404 hours. VIFEMS units were promptly dispatched to the scene, including Hotel's Units 101 and 207, along with additional support from Echo Company's Unit 113 and Units 205 and 209 from Tango and Lima, respectively. EMS units 10, 13, and 14 were swiftly on the scene to provide critical support. Firefighting crews worked diligently upon arrival, employing intensive suppression tactics to control the blaze and prevent its spread to adjacent structures. Thanks to their efforts, the fire was controlled within 30 minutes. Despite the rapid containment, the house and a shed were lost to the fire. The Fire Prevention unit is investigating the cause and origin of the fire.  Thankfully, no injuries were reported during this operation. We sincerely thank the Suppression, EMS, VIPD and Rescue units for their rapid response and continued dedication to safeguarding the territory. ###​

ST. THOMAS, US VIRGIN ISLANDS — The Virgin Islands Fire and Emergency Medical Services (VIFEMS) announces the temporary closure of the Fortuna (Tango Co.) Fire Station due to unforeseen circumstances. The closure is effective immediately, with the station expected to resume regular operations on Wednesday, February 7, 2024. In any emergency, residents should call 911, and the dispatch team will coordinate with the closest available units to ensure prompt assistance. During this period, emergency services for the affected area will be redirected and managed to nearby stations.  This temporary closure is a proactive step to ensure the highest standards of emergency services and the station's prompt reopening. ###​

 ST. THOMAS, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS—On Thursday at 5:45 pm, the Virgin Islands Fire and Emergency Medical Services (VIFEMS) Hotel Co. was dispatched to a structural fire at 200-6H Altona & Welgunst, with support from Tango and Lima Co. to tackle the blaze. Upon arriving at the scene, our dedicated firefighters were met with flames engulfing the residential property. "The combined efforts of these three Suppression teams allowed them to contain the blaze within 15 minutes of their arrival," said St. Thomas Deputy Chief Eustace Grant Jr. In the aftermath of this incident, our Prevention and Investigation Unit has initiated a comprehensive investigation to determine the cause of the fire. As the VIFEMS continues our mission to provide timely and efficient emergency services, we remind all motorists to yield and pull their vehicles to the left when encountering any emergency vehicle with activated sirens and lights, enabling us to reach those in need swiftly and safely. All residents should conduct a routine inspection of smoke detectors, review evacuation plans, and maintain and emergency kits and supplies. By taking these precautions, we enhance our collective resilience and protect our homes and loved ones. For more information or assistance related to fire safety, please contact the VIFEMS Public Information Office. ###