Virgin Islands Fire and Emergency Medical Services

Virgin Islands Fire and Emergency Medical Services Providing rapid response, fire protection, and emergency medical services to the people of the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Office Closure Notice In observance of Juneteenth, the main offices of the Virgin Islands Fire and Emergency Medical Ser...
16/06/2026

Office Closure Notice

In observance of Juneteenth, the main offices of the Virgin Islands Fire and Emergency Medical Services will be closed on Friday, June 19, 2026.

Normal office hours will resume on Monday, June 22, 2026.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 15, 2026TERRITORIAL BURN BAN IN EFFECTU.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — Effective immediately, the Virgin...
15/06/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 15, 2026

TERRITORIAL BURN BAN IN EFFECT

U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — Effective immediately, the Virgin Islands Fire and Emergency Medical Services (VIFEMS) announces a territory-wide burn ban. This decision has been made in response to increased fire risks and high winds currently affecting the territory. The burn ban will remain in effect until further notice and applies to all open fires, including campfires, bonfires, trash, yard debris, or brush burning.

Residents and visitors are reminded that a permanent burn ban remains in effect on Water Island. Open burning is prohibited on Water Island at all times.

Alternative methods for disposing of debris, such as chipping or composting, are encouraged. Additionally, VIFEMS urges the public to exercise caution while using outdoor grills or cooking equipment with open flames. Properly maintaining and monitoring such equipment, and keeping a fire extinguisher nearby, can significantly reduce the risk of accidental fires.

VIFEMS will continue to monitor weather conditions and assess fire risks throughout the territory. The public will be notified once the burn ban is lifted. We appreciate all residents' and visitors' cooperation and understanding in supporting these precautionary measures to safeguard our communities.

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Press Contact: Chiemeka Fredericksen
Public Information Officer
Phone: (340) 201-2292
[email protected]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEJune 12, 2026VIFEMS RESPONDS TO VEHICLE FIRE IN MARIENDAHLST. THOMAS, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — On Thur...
12/06/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 12, 2026

VIFEMS RESPONDS TO VEHICLE FIRE IN MARIENDAHL

ST. THOMAS, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — On Thursday, June 11, 2026, at approximately 2:50 a.m., the Virgin Islands Fire and Emergency Medical Services (VIFEMS) responded to reports of a possible structure fire in the Mariendahl area of St. Thomas. Several callers reported what they believed to be a residence on fire. Upon arrival, firefighters determined that the incident involved six trucks engulfed in flames.

Firefighters immediately began extinguishing the fire to prevent it from spreading. The fire was brought under control with no injuries reported, no damage to nearby properties, and no structures affected by the fire.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the VIFEMS Arson Investigation and Prevention Unit.

VIFEMS remains committed to rapid response, effective fire suppression, and the protection of life and property across the Territory.

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Press Contact: Chiemeka Fredericksen
Public Information Officer
Phone: (340) 201-2292
[email protected]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEJune 8, 2026VIRGIN ISLANDS FIREWORKS LAW (CODE): SAFETY REMINDERU.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS – As the Fourth...
08/06/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 8, 2026

VIRGIN ISLANDS FIREWORKS LAW (CODE): SAFETY REMINDER

U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS – As the Fourth of July holiday draws near, the Virgin Islands Fire and Emergency Medical Services (VIFEMS) reminds residents and visitors of the importance of adhering to local laws governing the sale, possession, and use of fireworks. These laws are designed to protect individuals, property, and emergency personnel.

Below is the applicable section of the Virgin Islands Code:
U.S. Virgin Islands Code
Title 23 - Internal Security and Public Order
Chapter 9 - Fire Prevention Code
Subchapter VI - Fireworks (§§ 731 — 733)
§ 733. Exceptions
Universal Citation: V.I. Code tit. 23 V.I.C. § 733
Nothing in this subchapter shall be construed to prohibit any resident wholesaler, dealer, or jobber to sell at wholesale such fireworks as are not herein prohibited; or the sale of any kind of fireworks provided the same are to be shipped directly out of the Virgin Islands; or the use of fireworks by railroads or other transportation agencies for signal purposes or illumination, or the sale or use of blank cartridges for a show or theatre, or for signal or ceremonial purposes in athletics or sports, or for use by military organizations.
(a) The manufacture of fireworks is prohibited within the Virgin Islands.
(b) Except as hereinafter provided it shall be unlawful for any person to offer for sale, expose for sale, sell at retail, or use or explode any fireworks. The Commissioner may adopt reasonable rules and regulations for the granting of permits for supervised public displays of fireworks by the government of the Virgin Islands, fair associations, amusement parks, and other organizations or groups of individuals. Every such display shall be handled by a competent operator approved by the Commissioner, and shall be of such a character, and so located, discharged or fired as in the opinion of the Commissioner, after proper inspection, shall not be hazardous to property or endanger any person.
(c) Application for permits shall be made in writing at least three days in advance of the date of the display. After such privilege shall have been granted, sale, possession, use and distribution of fireworks for such display shall be lawful for that purpose only. No permit granted hereunder shall be transferable.

Subchapter V - Explosives (§§ 711 — 719)
§ 718. Penalties
Universal Citation: V.I. Code tit. 23 V.I.C. § 718
A person who violates any provision of this act is guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be fined not more than $500 or imprisoned for not more than 1 year, or both; Provided, That any person found in possession of explosives without a proper permit shall be guilty of a felony and shall be fined not more than $5,000 or imprisoned for not more than 10 years, or both.

For official reference and updates, please visit the Legislature of the United States Virgin Islands website and select "VI Code".

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Press Contact: Chiemeka Fredericksen
Public Information Officer
Phone: (340) 201-2292
[email protected]

Congratulations once again to Donny Daniel, VIFEMS' St. Thomas/St. John Employee of the Year.Recognized during the Emplo...
08/06/2026

Congratulations once again to Donny Daniel, VIFEMS' St. Thomas/St. John Employee of the Year.

Recognized during the Employee of the Year Ceremony on St. Thomas, we are proud to celebrate and recognize one of our very own for this well-deserved honor.

Thank you, Donny, for your continued commitment to VIFEMS and the community we serve. Please join us in congratulating him on this achievement.

VIFEMS personnel attended the 2026 CAFC - Caribbean Association of Fire Chiefs Annual Conference, held May 17–23 in the ...
05/06/2026

VIFEMS personnel attended the 2026 CAFC - Caribbean Association of Fire Chiefs Annual Conference, held May 17–23 in the Dominican Republic.

As an annual gathering of fire and emergency service professionals from across the Caribbean, the conference provided a forum for collaboration and the exchange of information among agencies dedicated to public safety.

VIFEMS was proud to participate alongside our Caribbean counterparts as part of this annual event.

St. John Celebration Vendor Notice Vendors planning to participate in the 2026 St. John Celebration are advised that the...
04/06/2026

St. John Celebration Vendor Notice

Vendors planning to participate in the 2026 St. John Celebration are advised that the VIFEMS St. John Administrative Office will be open on the dates listed below to process Special Event Inspection Applications and collect applicable fees.

⚠️ Failure to complete this process during the designated dates and times will result in ineligibility to participate in the St. John Celebration.

Applications will be accepted on:
Friday, June 12
Tuesday, June 16
Wednesday, June 17
Thursday, June 18

Time: 8:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

For additional information, please contact the St. John Administrative Office at (340) 693-9921.

Please Note: The St. John Administrative Office will only be open on the dates listed above for Special Event Inspection Application processing.

Congratulations once again to John Bermudez, VIFEMS' St. Croix Employee of the Year.Recognized during yesterday's Employ...
03/06/2026

Congratulations once again to John Bermudez, VIFEMS' St. Croix Employee of the Year.

Recognized during yesterday's Employee of the Year Ceremony on St. Croix, we are proud to celebrate and recognize one of our very own for this well-deserved honor.

Thank you, John, for your continued commitment to VIFEMS and the community we serve. Please join us in congratulating him on this achievement.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEJune 2, 2026VIFEMS EXTINGUISHES VESSEL FIRE AT COMPASS POINT MARINA ST. THOMAS, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS...
02/06/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 2, 2026

VIFEMS EXTINGUISHES VESSEL FIRE AT COMPASS POINT MARINA

ST. THOMAS, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — On Monday, June 1, at approximately 10:14 p.m., the Virgin Islands Fire and Emergency Medical Services (VIFEMS) responded to a vessel fire at Compass Point Marina after receiving reports of flames coming from a vessel docked at the marina.

Upon arrival, firefighters observed flames inside the vessel's cabin while bystanders attempted to contain the fire using a fire extinguisher. Crews immediately began extinguishing the fire while simultaneously searching the vessel after learning that the owner's dog was unaccounted for.

The fire was brought under control, and firefighters continued searching the vessel. The dog was later found deceased inside the vessel. VIFEMS extends its sympathies to the owner during this difficult time.

The fire was confined to the vessel's pantry area, causing damage to the vessel. No other vessels were affected by the incident.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the VIFEMS Arson Investigation and Prevention Unit.

VIFEMS is committed to rapid response, effective fire suppression, and the protection of life and property across the Territory.

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Press Contact: Chiemeka Fredericksen
Public Information Officer
Phone: (340) 201-2292
[email protected]

01/06/2026

💙 Your health matters, Virgin Islands!

Join us at the 2026 USVI Health & Wellness Fair for FREE health services for the whole family across the Territory. From children’s exams and sports physicals to breast exams, prostate screenings, vaccinations, glucose testing, mental wellness checks, and more — we’re bringing healthcare closer to you.

📍 St. Thomas | June 1–5 | Old Kmart
📍 St. Croix | June 8–12 | Central High School
📍 St. John | June 22-24 | DeCastro Clinic

🕘 All services are FREE from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Take a step toward better health and wellness for you and your family. We’ll see you there! 💛

Address

1005 Estate Taarneberg
Charlotte Amalie
00802

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