07/05/2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Abaco Chamber of Commerce comments on fires
Email: [email protected]
Date: May 6, 2025
Abaco, The Bahamas — President of the Abaco Chamber of Commerce, Chantelle Sands, met with Chief Superintendent Michael Thurston, Tuesday May 6th to seek an official update on the recent bushfires affecting various parts of Abaco. Chief Thurston advised the fire in Marsh Harbour has been successfully contained, particularly in the Don Mackay Boulevard and Sweeting’s Track areas. While there remains a light presence of smoke, it is expected to clear naturally over time. Firefighters are continuing to monitor the area, and there is no longer a threat to the business community.
Chief Superintendent Thurston commended the coordinated response of volunteers from Marsh Harbour, Hope Town, Treasure Cay, and The Banks, noting their dedication and teamwork during a critical time. He reported that the only structural damage occurred at a Cable Bahamas facility, which suffered the loss of some materials and equipment.
Special thanks were extended to Minister John Pinder for facilitating aircraft support to drop water in areas inaccessible to ground crews. These air drops, conducted on Sunday and Monday morning, were instrumental in reducing the spread of the fires and improving conditions.
The Leonard M. Thompson International Airport also lent vital support by providing the use of its firetruck during airport closure hours, demonstrating a proactive response as the fires approached nearby areas.
Chief Thurston expressed sincere gratitude to the many residents who supported the firefighters with food and beverages throughout their overnight and daytime efforts. Community solidarity played a key role in managing the situation.
In a separate report, a resident of Spring City noted overnight smoke, traced back to a small controlled heap near the public dump site. Officials have confirmed the smoke is non-toxic and poses no health hazard. The area is currently well-managed and under control, though occasional smoke may appear with wind shifts which can also cause the fire to expand. Firefighters remain on standby.
The fire previously reported in Murphy Town has been fully extinguished.
Chief Thurston also issued a public warning: anyone caught lighting fires in their backyard or elsewhere in the community—particularly in ways that could cause them to spread—will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Authorities are investigating a possible case of arson related to the recent fires and encourage anyone with information to come forward to the police.
Additionally, the Abaco chamber of commerce shares with the public and business community that they can use the following tips as a guide to help prevent any future fires and reduce the possibility of fires spreading.
Tip #1 : Remove any trash or other flammable items from properties or business locations.
Tip #2: If there are any excess trees or brush on the property, please clear it down.
Tip #3: Ensure that businesses are equipped with smoke detectors, fire extinguishers and if possible garden hoses on the exterior of the business.
Tip #4: In the event of a fire, please ensure that there is a designated person who has a key to gain access to the building or structure.
Tip #5: If you see a fire, please contact the Marsh Harbor Police station at 911, 919, 367-2900 or the fire department At 577-2000 / 801-4000.
President Sands is appealing to the community for volunteers to assist with fire fighting and corporate abaco to make donations to the fire department for funding of supplies and fuel for the fire trucks.
Sands adds “A strong fire department protects lives, property, and the local economy—but they can’t do it alone. When the public and business community volunteer or contribute funding, they help ensure firefighters have the tools and training they need to respond quickly and effectively. It’s a shared investment in safety, resilience, and the well-being of our entire community”.
All donations will be appreciated and can be sent to the Marsh Harbour Volunteer Fire Department- www.mhvfiredept.com .
