The area needs an increased firefighting capacity
The message that most of these fires originated in and around kitchen areas of restaurants obviously tells us fire safety standards are minimal, rarely complied with, and loosely enforced; if enforced at all.
It is unfortunate there were injuries at the fire at Dreams. We now can expect there will be more attention paid towards reducing the fire risks at resorts and restaurants only because tourists were among the injured this time.
The Punta Cana tourist zone has only one working public fire engine in service to attend the needs of a very widespread area. Public fire equipment and squads from Higuey, Yuma, and La Romana will assist. But, by the time these groups arrive on scene the damage has been done.
Punta Cana airport has an excellent fire crew and modern equipment. However, this squadron is not supposed to leave the airport area under its umbrella per an international accord that requires a fully maintained and equipped fire squadron be at the airport 24/7. Some resorts do have their own fire fighting equipment but are loath to lend them and their crews out.
This recent rash of fires, especially at the resorts can be the pitre dish for the growth of many rumors regarding the origin of the fires.
What is not rumor is the area needs an increased firefighting capacity. There will be some assistance in the near future with the arrival of equipment donated through the efforts of Firefighters Without Borders of Canada.
Regards,
PJT
