The absence of water in the town’s hydrants is being blamed for the extensive damage caused by a fire at Lucea Market, which destroyed 28 stalls. Although firefighters responded quickly, their efforts were hindered by a lack of water, allowing the fire to spread further. Lucea Mayor Sheridan Samuels expressed frustration, stating that some shops could have been saved if water had been available, while renewing calls for the National Water Commission to address the area's ongoing water shortage.

Lucea Market fire causes millions in damage

Local government minister pledges quick restoration

Jamaica Gleaner/5 Oct 2024/Bryan Miller/gleaner 

MINISTER OF Local Government and Community Development, Desmond Mckenzie, has assured vendors affected by an early-morning fire at the Lucea Market in Hanover that efforts will be made to restore the facility swiftly.

The incident, which occurred yesterday, caused extensive damage, leaving vendors devastated as they count their losses, reportedly running into millions of dollars.

The fire was reported at 3:51 a.m., and units from the Negril and Montego Bay fire stations responded, bringing the blaze under control by 5:15 a.m.

An initial assessment revealed that 23 stalls were destroyed, and five others were damaged. One firefighter sustained non-life-threatening injuries during the operation and is currently receiving treatment at hospital.

“I feel the pain of the vendors who have lost their goods and whose incomes have therefore been curtailed,” said Minister Mckenzie.

“I want to let them know that every effort will be made to rebuild quickly so that they and their customers will have a secure space to conduct business, especially with Christmas less than three months away.”

He added, “While investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing, we will begin assessing the structural damage immediately to create an even better environment for vendors and shoppers.”

ELECTRICAL FAULTS

Mckenzie also expressed relief that the injured firefighter was not at risk of permanent injury or death.

“He was electrocuted while helping to extinguish the fire,” the minister explained. “A preliminary assessment suggests electrical faults may be responsible for the incident.”

He continued, “We’ve had fires at several markets over the past year, and I urge everyone who relies on these facilities to take greater care.”

The vendors, left counting their losses, reported significant damage.

An alleged eyewitness stated, “It started around 4 a.m. with two shops first, and the alarm was raised. The firefighters arrived early, but they didn’t have enough water to fight the fire, so it spread.”

When The Gleaner visited the site, a large crowd, including many of the affected vendors, had gathered. Some vendors criticised the firefighters, claiming they arrived unprepared and without sufficient water.

With no water available in the town’s hydrants, they were unable to contain the fire promptly.

During the operation, a firefighter suffered an electrical shock after coming into contact with a live Jamaica Public Service (JPS) transmission line.

Stewart Beckford, commander of the Jamaica Fire Brigade, reported, “The firefighter was transported to Noel Holmes Hospital for treatment. He has since been discharged after being examined by a doctor.”

‘SHOPS COULD HAVE BEEN SAVED’

The 28 stalls destroyed in the fire sold a variety of goods, including ground provisions, fish, coal, clothing, and haberdashery items. One stall operated as a bar, while others contained refrigerators, electrical appliances, and musical equipment. One vendor estimated her losses at over $500,000.

Lucea Mayor Sheridan Samuels expressed sympathy for the affected vendors but criticised the lack of water in the town’s hydrants, which hindered firefighting efforts.

“Some of the shops could have been saved if it weren’t for the water situation,” Samuels stated.

“I commend the Lucea fire personnel, but they ran out of water. When they tried to refill from the hydrants, there was none.”

Samuels also reiterated the Hanover Municipal Corporation’s longstanding plea to the National Water Commission to address Lucea’s water shortage.

“I really feel for the vendors,” he added. “I don’t yet know the full value of the damage, but I hope assistance will be provided soon.”

Tamika Davis, member of parliament for Hanover Western, visited the site and noted, “We’re awaiting the full assessment of the damage, so we can direct our efforts towards re-establishing the market and rebuilding what was lost.”

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