PHOTOS: Fireman says equipment failure did not affect Wyndham response

Chad Bryan, Gleaner Writer

The Jamaica Fire Department is dismissing claims that it took more than six hours to control an early morning fire at the Wyndham hotel in New Kingston because of an equipment failure.

For several hours, technicians tried to fix the electrical issues that rendered useless, the equipment called a hydraulic platform.



A hydraulic platform is used during rescue efforts especially on high rise buildings.

Assistant Commissioner Raymond Spencer says the equipment was brought to the scene only as a precaution.

He says it took very long to control the fire because it was concentrated on the upper floors.

However, its failure means that had visitors been trapped, fire-fighters would have had significant difficulties in rescuing them.

In the meantime, Assistant Commissioner has admitted that the Fire Brigade continues to be hampered by lack of resources.

The response of the fire officials also left some guests fuming.
“They’re not equipped to handle it and this is ridiculous,” said one tourist.

“I’ve been out here from 12:00 a.m, but the general manager was good, he arranged to put us up in the Pegasus.”

He continued: “All my clothes and documents were left inside. I feel bad for a gentleman who is supposed to bury his mother this morning at 10:00.”
Seven units from Kingston, Half Way Tree, York Park and Spanish Town responded to the fire.

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