BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – MEMBERS of the Basseterre Division of the St. Kitts and Nevis Fire and Rescue Department must be commended for their valiant effort, commitment and professionalism displayed this morning (Jan. 10) in saving the Federation millions of dollars and many families from being homeless.
These professionals had extinguished a fire which totally destroyed a two-storey concrete and wooden building that housed the Party Expert Food Center at the junction of Cayon Street and Wellington Road in Basseterre.
The fire reportedly started shortly after 6:30 a.m. and, according to Acting Fire Chief Everette O’Garro, the Fire Department received report of it at approximately 6:36 a.m.
On arrival at the scene, this publication had observed a fast-moving blaze ripping through the roof of the building and also the doors on the bottom storey, as firemen bravely fought to extinguish it, while at the same time restricting it from spreading to neighbouring residential and commercial buildings, separated by mere feet.
It was also observed that some residents, who reside in houses close to the burning building, had abandoned their homes for fear of being caught in the conflagration, as some of the expert firemen doused the neighbouring buildings to the front and rear, while others concentrated on the raging fury.
A relatively large crowd had gathered at the scene while the firemen were busy fighting to quell the flames, but they quickly ran to safety as strong winds caused the fire to set alight some electrical wires and a lamp pole in front of the building.
The firefighters toiled for more than two hours before the threat of danger no longer existed. And the most amazing thing that was observed from the handy work by the firemen, is that the residence on the west of the burnt building was neither scorched nor its glass windows damaged.
The same could be said for the building on the eastern side as well as those in the rear.
Kudos to the professional firefighters for a job well done.
Speaking with O’Garro during the mopping-up session, he told this publication that the source of the fire could not be determined at this time because the Fire Department is still conducting investigations.
He however promised that the public would be notified of the findings on completion of the investigations.
SKNVibes also spoke with Inspector Charles Smithen of the Criminal Investigation Department, who declared that he, too, could not say what caused the fire until a thorough investigation was done.
The building is said to be owned by former Leader of the People’s Action Movement, Lindsay Grant or a member of his family.
