The Barbados Postal Service released the following set of five stamps featuring the 50th Anniversary of The Barbados Fire Service, on Monday, September 26, 2005. The stamps are available in denominations of five, 10, and 90 cents, $1.15 and $2.50.

Official first day covers may be bought or ordered from the Philatelic Bureau, General Post Office, Bridgetown, as well as the Postal Service's website at www.bps.gov.bb. The Philatelic Bureau is open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.

Early Firemen ( 05c )

Description: Three firefighters adorned in full fire gear standing in front of Fire Service Headquarters, Probyn Street, Bridgetown. In the background is the Dennis Pump Escape with Merryweather Ladder. This uniform was worn during the period 1955 to the early 70’s.

Fire Service Parade ( 10c )

Description: Fire Officers march in front of Fire Service Headquarters, Probyn Street, Bridgetown. The march was one of the activities held to mark the 48th anniversary of the department during Fire Service Week 2003. The uniform worn is the current ceremonial wear of the Service.

Airport Fire and Rescue Tender ( 90c )

Description: Rosenbauer - Panther FL 6x6 Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting tender is stationed at the Airport Fire Station, Grantley Adams International Airport, Christ Church.

The Panther FL 6x6 has a 12, 000 litre water tank, 1, 500 litre foam tank and 225 kg dry chemical powder extinguishing unit, with hose reel. It is also outfitted with a remote controlled water/foam roof monitor, remote controlled water/foam bumper turret monitor and ground sweep under-truck nozzles. Three Panther FL 6x6 tenders were delivered to the BFS in 2001 by Angloco Limited (UK) part of a fleet of 15 rescue and fire fighting vehicles.

The Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) vehicle is primarily intended to actively combat aircraft fires, protect and enable safe evacuation of occupants.

Early Fire Appliances ( $1.15 )

Description: Governor Sir John Stow takes the salute as the Fire Service passes on parade at the Garrison Savannah, 1975. Also on parade are the department's appliances. The Dennis Pump Escape can be seen at the far end with raised ladder. This vehicle was commissioned in 1954 and delivered to the Fire Service in 1955. It was the only vehicle at that time which carried a ladder of this type. The other trucks were basically water tenders. The Pump Escape was last used in 1977.

Modern Fire Appliance ( $2.50 )

Description: The Scania 94G Water & Foam Tender, can be found at all municipal stations. This is the standard Fire Tender which is currently in use in Barbados.

It has a 220 horse power turbo-charged engine, two 750 litre galvanised steel baffled water tank and a 450 litre plastic foam tank. It is also outfitted with a Godiva GMA 3600 multi-pressure water pump with four deliveries, two high pressure hose reels and carries one 10.7 metre ladder and a 6.4 metre ladder. Five Scania 94G (4x2) tenders were delivered to the BFS in 2001 by Angloco Limited (UK), part of a fleet of 15 rescue and fire fighting vehicles.

To place an order or obtain further information please contact:

Barbados Philatelic Bureau
General Post Office
Cheapside
Bridgetown
Barbados BB11000

Email: gpophilatelic@caribsurf.com    Tel: 1 246 426 0381    Fax: 1 246 429 4118