Claudette Chambers is comforted by a neighbour after fire destroyed three homes in the Hamilton Gardens community of Portmore, St. Catherine. At right, Chambers' daughter, Kadian Hall, ponders yesterday's destruction. - Ricardo Makyn/Staff Photographer

Rasbert Turner, Gleaner Writer

SPANISH TOWN, St. Catherine:

Fire yesterday gutted three houses on Sunflower Drive in Hamilton Gardens, Portmore, leaving more than 20 persons homeless.

And residents say that the fire department responded promptly, their progress was hampered by dysfunctional hydrants in the area.

Local authorities were chastised by several Portmore residents who said the hydrants in the area were not maintained.

"We can praise the firemen this time; they came quickly. However, after the small truck ran out of water, they were unable to refill their tanks as the hydrants in the area need servicing," said Kerisha Lindo, a resident.

It is reported that shortly after 9:30 a.m., smoke was seen coming from Lot 44D, Sunflower Drive. The fire quickly spread to two adjoined houses. Residents saved only a few possessions.

Dawn Williams, another resident, related her ordeal. "I took my daughter to church and when I came back, I was greeted with a thick cloud of smoke coming from my house. I rushed inside and found the place ablaze and could hardly save anything," she remarked.

Up to press time, the cause of the fire could not be ascertained. The Caymanas police and the fire department are investigating to determine whether foul play was involved.

The Gleaner learnt that the houses were insured.