The Ministry of Homeland Security officially reopened the Princes Town Fire Station at its new location, 12–14 King Street, Princes Town, today, Wednesday 26th August, 2026, restoring 24-hour fire and emergency response services to Princes Town and fifty-six (56) surrounding communities.
The station was closed on 12th July 2024 due to serious structural, health and safety concerns. The King Street facility was subsequently transferred to the Ministry of Homeland Security by the Ministry of Rural and Local Government in May 2026, following which renovation works commenced. With the completion of the renovations, the facility is now ready to resume operations.
For more than twenty-two (22) months, residents relied primarily on the Rio Claro and Mon Repos Fire Stations for emergency assistance. During this period, the stations responded to seventy (70) emergency calls in the Princes Town area, including house, vehicle and bush fires, as well as road accidents. Property valued at approximately $40 million was at risk, with recorded losses over $5 million. In some instances, response times exceeded thirty (30) minutes.
Minister of Homeland Security, the Honourable Roger Alexander, MP, said the reopening restores an essential public service and strengthens emergency response in the area. “Where we place our fire stations must be guided by risk, population, road access and response times. When a fire starts, every minute matters,” Minister Alexander said.
In delivering remarks, Dr. Narindra Roopnarine, MP for Naparima, said the station represents an important investment in public safety and will strengthen emergency response across the area. Dr. Aiyna Ali, MP for Princes Town, welcomed the reopening and expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, SC, MP, for ensuring that a dedicated site was secured in Princes Town. She said the facility will provide residents with improved access to emergency services and strengthen community safety.
The station has undergone significant upgrades, including renovations to the dormitories and kitchen, upgraded bathrooms with hot and cold water, new electrical wiring, improved drainage, roofing and exterior lighting, and painting throughout the facility. The total cost of the renovations was $229,801.00.
The station is staffed by thirty (30) fire personnel and equipped with a water tender to support rapid emergency response.
The Ministry is also examining the feasibility of establishing a fire substation in Moruga to further strengthen emergency coverage along the south Trinidad corridor. The assessment is taking into consideration a range of factors, including population growth, emergency call volumes, response times, road access, infrastructure and operational requirements, among other relevant considerations.
The Trinidad and Tobago Fire Service will continue its focus on fire prevention and community outreach, including fire-risk assessments, community safety talks, school visits and outreach programmes.
Minister Alexander also emphasised the importance of community partnership. He said, “A strong Fire Service also needs a strong partnership with the community. We want people to understand fire prevention, know what to do in an emergency and work with our officers to keep their homes, businesses and communities safe.”
Also present at the reopening ceremony were Commissioner of Police Allister Guevarro, Chairman of the Princes Town Regional Corporation Councillor Gowrie Roopnarine, Permanent Secretary Mr. Videsh Maharaj, Permanent Secretary (Ag.) Dr. Wilson Henderson Jr., and Deputy Permanent Secretary Dr. Simone Titus.
The reopening of the Princes Town Fire Station represents a significant strengthening of emergency response capacity in south Trinidad, providing improved coverage, a dedicated Fire Service presence and greater public safety and peace of mind.
Members of the public are reminded that in an emergency, they should dial 990 for the Fire Service or 999 for Emergency Services.
