Under the Police Act 1961, chapter 142 of the Laws of the Virgin Islands and associated Subsidiary Legislation, the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force was made responsible for Firefighting in the Territory.   In 1981, Mr. W.M. Ward, O, B, E OST JF/I Fire submitted a report to the Government on the Feasibility of creating an independent Fire Service for the British Virgin Islands. The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs appointed Mr. Ward as Fire Service Advisor for the benefit of the Government of the British Virgin Islands. His terms of reference were to advise on the feasibility of creating an independent Fire Service with special reference to establishment, equipment and training.   In 1985, Mr. Colin Graham was appointed as the First Chief Fire Officer of the British Virgin Islands. His terms of reference included the establishment and operation of an independent Fire Service with special reference to training establishment and equipment. He served as Chief Fire Officer for a period of four years. The current Chief Fire Officer, Mr. Leando Stoutt, succeeded Mr. Graham and has served since 1989.   The number of fire related deaths that have been recorded since 1970-2009 is 8.  In 1971 there were 2 deaths, in 1973 there was 1, in 1975 there was 1, and in 2004 there were 4.