BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - TWO fires which occurred on Friday (May 24) destroyed the dwelling places of two families, and the St. Kitts and Nevis Fire and Rescue Services is again pleading with individuals to be careful when using fire.
Acting Fire Chief Everette O’Garro explained to SKNVibes that at about 12:15 a.m. a unit responded to a report of a fire at Conaree, where they met a dwelling place engulfed in flames.
He said the owner and occupant explained that he had lit a candle in one of the rooms and proceeded into another to eat some food he had taken home.
Shortly after however, he heard the sound of a small explosion in the bedroom within which he lit the candle, and on investigating he discovered it was ablaze.
The firemen worked feverishly to extinguish the fire but it had already spread and the house and its contents were destroyed.
“We want to warn individuals to be extremely cautious when using candles. Make sure the candle is placed in a stable holder to prevent the possibility of it toppling over. Also, make sure the candle is not placed in proximity to any combustible material,” O’Garro admonished.
Meanwhile, at about 10:10p.m. on the same day, a unit responded to a report of a fire at Victoria Road next to the former Girls School.
According to O’Garro, the property is owned by a Mr. Barker and it functioned as a dwelling place at the top floor and a bar on the one below.
He said Julio Roman and Marcia Garcia - who reside there with their family - explained that they were on the ground floor when they heard a cracking sound that appeared to come from the electrical wiring in vicinity of the main switch.
Shortly after, they observed that the upper floor of the property was on fire, and despite the efforts of the firefighters that level of the building was completely gutted.
