Falkland Islands: In Memory of Fireman Gerard Johnson and Fireman Robert Finlayson

The history of the Falkland Islands Fire and Rescue Department started with the formation of the Falkland Islands Volunteer Fire Brigade on 24 March 1898. On this date a public meeting was held asking anyone interested in forming a volunteer fire brigade to please attend by request of Colonial Secretary F. Craigie-Halkett. 

29 men offered themselves ready and willing to man the recently imported fire engine and were sworn in promising that “they would be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty the Queen and that they would faithfully serve and carry out to the best of their ability, and for the best interests of their fellow, all the duties required of them as members of the fire brigade”. A week later the Governor notified for general information that he accepted the services of those attending the public meeting signifying their desire to be formed into a volunteer fire brigade. He declared the fire brigade lawfully formed designating them as the “Stanley Volunteer Fire Brigade.” Many of our current firefighters are direct descendants of these men.  

In 1985 the Superintendent’s position was made into a full-time post reporting to the Director of Public Works. This was the first step in the Fire Brigade becoming a more recognisable establishment and in 1986 the Fire Brigade broke away from the Public Works Department and became Police, Fire and Rescue. Later that same year the Fire Service became its own stand-alone department and moved to St Mary’s Walk. At this point it changed its name again to what it is known as today, The Falkland Islands Fire and Rescue Service. 

As well as domestic fires, the fire service also deals with camp fires. During the dry summer months, the grass lands and peat soil make perfect fuel for wild fires to get out of control. The peat underneath can allow these fires to burn for months, destroying thousands of acres and changing direction as quickly as the wind. The fire department has fought many large camp fires over the years alongside both farmers and the military. 

Over the years, the Falkland Islands Fire and Rescue Service have faced many devastating incidents and challenges with great courage. On 20 May, 1989, in the Berkeley Sound, a most tragic event came in the form of a ship fire. The fire had broken out on board the stern trawler Frio Pesca Uno. During the battle two young firefighters had become lost within the vessel using breathing apparatus whilst searching for survivors. They never found their way out and tragically lost their lives. The two young men were Gerard Johnson and Robert Finlayson. They will never be forgotten and our thoughts are always with their families.