Gareth Davis, Gleaner Writer
PORT ANTONIO, PORTLAND:
THE PORT Antonio Fire Department has confirmed that yesterday's early morning fire, which destroyed two rooms on a male dormitory at the College of Agriculture Science and Education (CASE) in Portland was the work of arsonists.
George Brown, district officer of the Port Antonio Fire Department, said it was determined that the fire was set in three areas in one room and one area in the other.
"Our investigations have concluded that both dormitories were deliberately set ablaze," Mr. Brown said. "And although no traces of gasolene were found during my investigation, fire-fighters who responded to the early morning call, pointed out that when they arrived accelerant (gas) was smelled heavily in both dormitories."
The fire, which started about 4:10 a.m., left two persons nursing burn wounds in the Port Antonio General Hospital. They are a male student who received first degree burns along with his female friend. Just last Sunday, a security post at the same west campus facility at CASE was also set ablaze.
Various pieces of furniture, including beds, wardrobes, tables and chairs were lost in the fire along with computers, mobile phones and mini-component sets. The doors to both dorm rooms were also destroyed during the blaze.
The Port Antonio Police said two female students who were brought in for questioning yesterday morning have since been released. Both students were being held, as they had reportedly earlier threatened to set fire to the male dormitories after their own dwelling was doused with water and faeces more than a month ago.
Classes were suspended yesterday but, according to the CASE administration, students sitting exams will be allowed to do so this morning. Damage to both dormitories has been estimated at $250,000 by the fire department.
District Officer Brown said that although his findings were conclusive, he was unable to determine whether the fire was set by an internal source or sources from outside. The police have not yet made any arrests.
