ST. JOHN — Firefighters on St. John spent much of the weekend battling two unrelated structure fires, one on the island’s eastern end and another in Chocolate Hole, both requiring joint responses from the Virgin Islands Fire and Emergency Medical Services (VIFEMS).
According to VIFEMS, the first blaze broke out in Privateer Bay late Friday, October 31. At approximately 10:44 p.m., VIFEMS received a 911 call reporting a structure fire in the remote area. Romeo Company crews were the first to arrive and discovered the residence fully engulfed in flames, prompting the immediate dispatch of additional personnel from Zulu Company.
Firefighters worked through the night to contain the inferno, extinguishing the main body of flames by 12:29 a.m. and completing final operations at 2:37 a.m., more than three hours after the initial alarm. Officials confirmed no injuries and said no neighboring properties were damaged. The VIFEMS Arson Investigation and Prevention Unit is investigating the cause.
Less than 48 hours later, firefighters again mobilized — this time to Chocolate Hole on Sunday evening, November 2. At around 6:40 p.m., crews were alerted to another structure fire and arrived on scene by 6:50 p.m. Units from both Romeo and Zulu companies found heavy flames coming from the second-story electrical, maintenance, and laundry area of the building.
An aggressive attack brought the fire under control within minutes, but crews remained on scene for just over two hours to ensure all hot spots were extinguished. Operations concluded at 9:02 p.m., and investigators from the Arson and Prevention Unit responded afterward to begin examining the cause.
VIFEMS Director Antonio Stevens commended the firefighters for their rapid and coordinated response to both incidents.
“I’m proud of our St. John crews for their quick action and professionalism,” said Director Stevens. “Their commitment to protecting life and property, even during back-to-back incidents, demonstrates the strength and reliability of our personnel across the Virgin Islands.”
Officials reiterated that the department remains steadfast in its mission to protect life, property, and the well-being of Virgin Islands residents, emphasizing that both investigations are ongoing.
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