Roadtown, Tortola - A Tuesday morning fire in East End, Tortola has left one home significantly damaged.According to a statement issued by Acting Deputy Chief Fire Officer, Mr. William W. Penn, a fire was reported at Chapel Hill, East End at 10:21 a.m. yesterday.

Two fire engines were deployed in response to the call, one appliance from the Road Town fire station and the other from the East End fire station. The appliances were operated by 10 fire-fighters, who upon arrival at the scene, observed fire coming through the windows and doors and black, thick smoke billowing from the building, Mr. Penn said.

At the time of the fire, two people were at home. There were no human fatalities although a pet rabbit reportedly died in the blaze. The fire resulted in major damage to the internal walls and roof of the house and the contents of the home were destroyed. One fire officer sustained minor injuries as a result of an electrical shock.

According to Mr. Penn, after preliminary investigations “it appeared that a four year old child, playing with matches, caused the fire.”

“This is a good time to re-iterate the importance of fire safety.  Parents need to be more vigilant in terms of the supervision of their children,” Mr. Penn said.  He further stated that parents should keep matches out of the reach of children.  Mr. Penn also urged adults to ensure that smoke detectors and fire extinguishers are kept in the household. He noted too that if identified “in its early stages a fire can be quickly extinguished.” 

Encouraging persons to visit any one of the fire stations, Mr. Penn said “officers will be happy to provide instructions on how to handle and operate a fire extinguisher.”

The Fire and Rescue Service is committed to protecting life and property from the effects of fire and all other man-made and natural accidents and disasters.