Rio Claro Fire Station Vacated; Fire Service Says Mayaro Will Provide Cover

The Full Story

Guardian Media reports longstanding structural and welfare problems at Rio Claro Fire Station, including an injury after part of a floor failed on 22 October. The firefighters’ association subsequently requested an urgent safety inspection, according to the report. Luk It Hyah has not inspected the underlying safety reports.

Sources: CNC3 / Guardian Media, 1 Nov, 9:55 p.m. Trinidad time ↗

The association says a decision to vacate was taken on 28 October. In its report published by CNC3 on 1 November, Guardian Media describes officers leaving the compound and the gate being secured. These are the newsroom’s reported observations, rather than a site inspection by Luk It Hyah.

Sources: CNC3 / Guardian Media, 1 Nov, 9:55 p.m. Trinidad time ↗

An Assistant Chief Fire Officer told Guardian Media that a possible temporary building in Rio Claro had been identified but its use and required modifications were still to be confirmed. He said a fire tender and officers were on standby at Mayaro Fire Station for Rio Claro emergencies, acknowledging that responses could take longer. This is not a report that emergency cover has ceased.

Sources: CNC3 / Guardian Media, 1 Nov, 9:55 p.m. Trinidad time ↗

Residents quoted by Guardian Media expressed concern about the distance of the replacement cover. No confirmed relocation or reopening date is supplied. The report says questions sent to the Homeland Security Minister had not received a response by its press deadline.

Sources: CNC3 / Guardian Media, 1 Nov, 9:55 p.m. Trinidad time ↗

Express reported on 3 November that the acting chief fire officer confirmed Rio Claro crews and appliances had moved to Mayaro Fire Station. He estimated that the extra distance would add about eight minutes to Rio Claro emergency responses. He said Mayaro and Rio Claro crews would retain their respective districts, with Princes Town crews potentially covering some eastern Rio Claro calls. This is an official estimate reported by Express, not a measured response-time result.

Sources: Trinidad Express, 3 Nov 2026 ↗

A possible temporary site within Rio Claro is still being assessed. The acting chief fire officer said its suitability, parking and safety arrangements would need approval; no local reopening date has been announced in the report.

Sources: Trinidad Express, 3 Nov 2026 ↗