Detainee Hospitalized After Fire at Old US Air Base Detention Centre

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Detainee Hospitalized After Fire at Old US Air Base Detention Centre
Fire at old US Air Base Detention Center

A fire at the Old US Air Base in Coolidge on Monday left one detainee hospitalized, authorities confirmed.

The blaze affected two units at the Immigration Detention Centre, prompting a response from fire officers with two tenders. Public Relations Officer Lester Bagot told Antigua.news that the units were already ablaze when firefighters arrived.

The St John’s Fire Station received a call stating that a structure was on fire at the Old Navy base at Coolidge. An immediate response was made by the Fire crew in the No, 17 and 19 Fire tenders. On arrival at the scene the crew met two units of the Immigration Detention Center on fire.

“Water was used to control and extinguish the fire. The fire was confined to 2 units of the center. The Fire Brigade is investigating the origin of the Fire,” he said.

There was another detainee at the site, and plans are underway to relocate that individual. A third prisoner remains at the base, though no relocation decision has been made.

Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing.

This story was first published by Antigua News on August 19, 2025: antigua.news/2025/08/19/detainee-hospitalized-after-fire-at-old-us-air-base-detention-centre. © 2025 Antigua News. Republication without permission is not allowed.

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Shermain Bique-Charles

About the author

Shermain Bique-Charles is an accomplished journalist with over 24 years of dynamic experience in the industry. Renowned for her exceptional storytelling and investigative skills, she has garnered numerous awards that highlight her commitment to journalistic integrity and excellence. Her work not only informs but also inspires, making her a respected voice in the field.

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Comments (8)

  • Brenda August 19, 2025, 12:34 PM

    Hope the detainee recovers soon. That center has had issues before, maybe time to review safety standards
    Reply
  • Juju Bee August 19, 2025, 1:05 PM

    Who are the individuals housed there anyway? Sorry to hear that. Hopefully they build back stronger and better
    Reply
  • Informed citizen August 19, 2025, 1:54 PM

    Glad the detainee survived, but how did fire break out in the first place?
    Reply
  • Renae August 19, 2025, 2:17 PM

    If there are only three detainees left, why are they still being held there instead of moved somewhere safer?
    Reply
  • Truth August 19, 2025, 3:17 PM

    Sue them
    Reply
  • Batman August 19, 2025, 4:57 PM

    ok Im about to make some of ypu readers vex now. Because I wanna zoom in on the detainee who had to be hospitalized because of this fire. Even though they’re in custody, they still have a right to safety and proper care. The authorities should make sure the person is fully compensated for any medical expenses, trauma, or long-term effects caused by the fire. People in detention shouldn’t have to suffer because of negligence or unsafe conditions.
    Reply
  • Ben Simmons August 19, 2025, 10:59 PM

    Welllllllllppppppp I can’t help but feel there’s more to this story than they’re letting on. Fires don’t just happen out of nowhere, especially at a detention centre where people are being held. One detainee hospitalized sounds serious, but what about the safety measures and why it spread so quickly? I really hope the authorities are doing a thorough investigation and not just calling it an accident to avoid questions. Something about this whole situation feels off.
    Reply
  • Joann August 20, 2025, 5:56 PM

    Each Barracks on the Air Station has a fire hydrant and also a fire hose stored in the fire case on the building. Don’t tell me that who responsible for the Air Station Facilities destroy all that too. I pray know one was seriously damaged by the fire.
    Reply

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