Residents in northern Antigua now have quicker access to emergency services with the opening of a new fire station at the Old U.S. Navy Base in Coolidge. The facility officially became operational on Friday, February 13, 2026, and will serve key communities in the area.

Inspector Lester Bagot, Public Relations Officer for the Antigua and Barbuda Fire Department, said the station will cover Coolidge, Barnes Hill, Blue Waters, and nearby neighbourhoods such as Cedar Valley and Cedar Grove. While residents can still call the national 911 service, the station also has a direct line at 562-0180.

Corporal Emrol Samuel told State Media that the new station will help relieve the workload previously handled mostly by firefighters in St. John’s. “We are here to assist the community of Coolidge, and as you know in the past St. John’s has been carrying the bulk of the work, so us being here now to assist our counterpart so that they will respond to minimum calls, while we will cover this area,” he explained.

Corporal Rika Phillip, one of the station’s operators, encouraged women to consider careers in firefighting. “I am one of the operators of these lovely appliances and I would encourage any female that wants to pursue a career in firefighting to come along,” she said, adding that after 13 years in service, she still loves making a difference in the community.

The addition of the Coolidge fire station is expected to improve response times, strengthen safety in the north of Antigua, and provide critical support to the Fire Department’s ongoing efforts to protect lives and property across the island.