No Directive Blocking Firefighters From Speaking to Media, Says Minister Usher

Minister of Disaster Risk Management, Henry Charles Usher, is clarifying tonight that there is no directive in place preventing members of the National Fire Service from speaking with the media.  The issue was raised following concerns from reporters, after fire personnel appeared to have stopped granting interviews on recent house fires and related incidents, prompting questions about whether a gag order had been imposed.  But according to Minister Usher, no such restriction exists.  Usher explained that while there is no official policy barring interviews, standard procedures may require officers to follow internal communication protocols before engaging with the media.

Henry Charles Usher, Minister of Public Service: “That is certainly not a policy. That’s the first time I’m hearing that. I’d have to find out if that’s the case. I will say this, that the fire department conducts investigations and the police department, if it is a criminal event, if there’s suspicion that there’s arson or anything like that then it will be the police department that makes a determination. The fire department just does an investigation and then submits that investigation to the lead investigator in the police department. So it wouldn’t be the place of that fire fighter is on the scene to be able to form or communicate a conclusion. So maybe that’s the case. But certainly it’s not a policy for them not to speak to the media.”

His comments come amid growing frustration from reporters seeking timely updates on fire incidents, particularly as several recent house fires have left families displaced and communities seeking answers.