CHARLESTOWN, Nevis – SWIFT action by members of the Charlestown Fire Department last night (Feb. 16) prevented what might have been a disaster for residents of Victoria Road, Nevis.
SKNVibes learned that fire had engulfed an abandoned building at Nanton’s Corner, Victoria Road shortly after 11.00 last night and a unit of the Charlestown Fire Department was on hand to extinguish the threatening flames.
The fire officers were alerted to the scene at approximately 11:41 p.m. by businessman Ural Swanston, who was at the time driving by and noticed the fire which appeared to be spreading into the bushes.
The firefighters succeed in quelling the flames about an hour after arriving on the scene, but no word was forthcoming on the cause of the fire.
Swanston, who remained at the scene until the fire was extinguished, said there ought to be a department that acts on time to ensure that items, including demolished buildings that pose danger to the public are removed without delay. He said waiting until danger occurs might cost lives.
The building stood abandoned for a long time until it was recently flattened by strong winds. It was thereafter sealed off with a tape following an inspection by the Coordinator of the Nevis Disaster Preparedness Unit, Lester Blackett.
Residents this morning notified the Public Works Department to further inspect the burnt building, because they are concerned that the debris, if not collected, could lead to another fire.
The owner of the property reportedly lives off island.
