Update
One house has been destroyed and two others damaged following a structural fire at Deacons Road, St. Michael earlier today.
Speaking on the scene, Fire Chief Errol Maynard said the Barbados Fire Service received the emergency call at approximately 12:26 p.m. Fire crews responded with one tender from the Port Fire Station, one from the Bridgetown Fire Station and a water tanker. A total of 18 officers, under the command of Divisional Officer Perch, attended the blaze.
On arrival, firefighters found one house fully engulfed in flames. Officers were able to bring the fire under control, but the affected structure was completely destroyed. A neighbouring property sustained extensive damage, while a third house suffered minor damage.
Chief Maynard said one person has been displaced as a result of the fire, and efforts are under way to secure accommodation for that individual. He noted that it is not yet known whether the affected properties were insured, adding that this will be determined during the investigation. No one was at home in the house where the fire is believed to have started.
The Fire Chief also expressed concern over a recent spike in house fires across the island. He revealed that within the last four days, firefighters have responded to approximately five house fires, including two earlier today.
A fire was reported in St. Lawrence, and three house fires occurred yesterday.
Describing the trend as unusual for this time of year, Chief Maynard urged Barbadians to exercise greater caution, particularly when leaving their homes unattended or using electrical appliances.
“We cannot afford to have so many house fires,” he stressed, adding that even one is too many.
Investigations into the cause of the Deacons Road fire are ongoing.
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Earlier Story
Fire personnel are on the scene of a house fire at Farnum Land, Deacons Road, St Michael.
More details as they come to hand.
