Weefm news continues monitoring reports of a major fire in the Parish of St. Patrick this morning.
It was a situation where some five houses were completely gutted by fire.
We’ve seen evidence of the blaze on social media.
Based on our investigation, we understood that the houses ablaze were in an area called Pig Street close to Cocoa Valley, in Chantimelle.
The fire department is said to have responded promptly to the call and fire fighters fought feverishly in an attempt to contain the fire.
In extinguishing the fire, it’s been recognized that the buildings are were completely gutted.
Damages apparently will run in the range of hundreds of thousands of dollars.
It is said that some 17 people have been left homeless.
The extent of the incident prompted officials of the Ministry of Social and Community Development to visit the scene.
They were accompanied by Permanent Secretary, Findley Jeffrey.
One of the individuals within the community gave us an account of what he saw when the blaze was identified.
In wrapping up the meeting of the House of Representatives this afternoon, Prime Minister Mitchell updated the house on the fire this morning offering sympathy to the families who lost their homes.
The Prime Minister issued a heartfelt appeal to parents, urging them to implement safety measures during the Easter break for their children.
Meanwhile a notice was sent out informing the public that the Inaugural Independence Public Lecture in St. Patrick, which was scheduled to be delivered by Mr. Arley Gill, this evening, has been postponed to a date to be announced.
The postponement is said to be in solidarity with the families who lost their homes as a result of today’s fire.
The independence committee says theirthoughts and prayers are with the families and the community at this time.
