Firemen from York Park, Trench Town and Rollington Town fire stations yesterday fighting a blaze at a 17-room house at the corner of Blake and Cloverly Roads, Central Kingston. - Rudolph BrownFIREMEN WITH little water in their trucks could only stand by and watch yesterday, as fire destroyed a 17-room house and its contents at 12 Blake Road, Central Kingston, leaving more than 40 people homeless.
A nearby hydrant was also dry.
Fire-fighters from the York Park station arrived within minutes of the blaze starting but could do little as the fire raced through the house at the corner of Blake and Cloverly roads. Assistance was sought from fire-fighters from the Trench Town and Rollington Town stations who arrived with a water truck but by then the building was engulfed in flames.
Loss from the fire was estimated at $700,000. The house was not insured. More than 40 people were left homeless.
Occupants of the house said they were unable to save much. "I only manage to save the clothes mi have on. Mi baby mother wasn't there. I only glad that mi baby neva in deh," said Dwight Spencer.
Bridgette Harrison was concerned about where she would spend the night. "I don't have anywhere to go and I have my four-year-old baby an everything bun up," she said.
Mr. Ronald Thwaites, Member of Parliament for the area, who arrived shortly after the fire, said he had contacted several welfare agencies in the hope of providing assistance for the families.
"I've got in touch with the Ministry of Welfare, Food for the Poor and Red Cross to ask them to render assistance. I hope to get a list soon and hope that the neighbourhood will help out in this difficult time," Mr. Thwaites said.
