Fire of unknown origin engulfed the Erdiston Teachers’ Training College at Erdiston, St Michael, last night.
Seven fire tenders from the six fire stations across the island responded to the blaze that started around 6 p.m.
Acting deputy principal Patricia Saul told the DAILY NATION that workmen were carrying out repairs to the roof of the building, reported to be more than 100 years old and on the Barbados National Trust’s list.
Paul said “a passer-by” raised the alarm about a fire on the roof of the main building at about 6:20 p.m. and she then alerted the Fire Service and “they came about seven after”.
Saul said the building had been unoccupied since September and was under renovation. Sections of the building were being used as a computer lab, classrooms, staff quarters and offices.
Scores of residents from nearby communities and Member of Parliament for the area and Minister of Tourism Richard Sealy converged on the scene.
As a result of the fire, school is off for students of the training college, the special unit and the nursery school on the compound.
Meanwhile, the Fire Service reported another blaze at Charles Rowe Bridge, St George, where a wooden house was destroyed.
