Clarendon Fire Department warns against using candles in homes

Head of the Clarendon Fire Department, Superintendent Horace Thomas, is warning against the use of  candles to illuminate homes after at least three families in the parish lost their houses to fires following the passage of Hurricane Beryl.

Several sections of Clarendon are still without electricity following the hurricane which passed Jamaica over a week ago.

Thomas told Thursday's sitting of the Clarendon Municipal Corporation that the fires at the three homes were reportedly started by candles.

"We responded to three house fires, and it underscores the point that it's kind of counterintuitive that even during the rains, someone's home would be threatened by fire," said Thomas

"But once we lose electricity, I see persons still buying candles, and I don't know why we're still buying candles. We should be moving away from it, because of the inherent dangers," he added.

Stressing that there are alternatives available, Thomas recommended investing in solar-powered lamps, fans and generators.

Power supplier, the Jamaica Public Service Company announced earlier this week that several communities in the southern section of the parish were expected to have their electricity restored by Saturday.

In the meantime, the fire chief, also expressed gratitude to various stakeholders across the parish for what he described as their invaluable support in delivering essential supplies, including water, to affected residents. 

Thomas also noted the bravery of his team, who reportedly rescued eight children and an adult from a flood-submerged home, asserting that their selfless dedication, skill and swift response averted a potential tragedy. 

- Olivia Brown 

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