Dear Editor,
I am appalled by the response of St. Maarten's Fire Brigade and the seeming inaction of the main people responsible for the safety of this island and its inhabitants (read the Government) with regard to the fire on Sentry Hill.
Last night residents in the Cole Bay and Simpson Bay areas could see flames on top of the hill in question, which was not so when the fire started. That means it has spread towards the Cole Bay area.
The Fire Brigade says it cannot reach the area where the fire is burning, because there are no roads and that they will go into action of trying to extinguish the fire when the flames come closer to homes and endanger them.
My question to the Prime Minister and the Fire Brigade is: Cannot a fire extinguisher plane be hired from Puerto Rico, where there reportedly are several, to extinguish the fire now that it still seems to be manageable, rather than wait till it poses a danger to life and property of residents of this island? It may cost a lot, but allowing the fire to spread would make it more difficult to extinguish and will cost a lot more, maybe even lives and property.
What does the Government expect us residents to do? Be quiet like sitting ducks and pray for rain?
Name withheld at author's request.
