Fire brings back-to-school sorrow for seven children

School supplies for seven children went up in flames on Monday in a fire that gutted a nine-bedroom dwelling at Second Street in Trench Town, Kingston.

Juliet Lewis, a resident at the house, told The Gleaner that it was a nerve-racking experience that was compounded by the extensive damage that the children endured.

"Some of the children were at school, some are going back Thursday, so those that did de yah, dem book, uniform and bags burn up. Four were present when it happen and three did gone to school. Right now, mi just nervous, mi jus a shake," she said in grief.

Recounting the ordeal, she shared that, "Mi a wash mi plate and mi son who live next door said to me that one part of di house was on fire, and when mi look up, a pure black smoke mi see. People came over and try throw water, but is when the fire brigade come wi see some improvement."

District Constable Samuel Bryan, who is attached to the Trench Town Fire Station, said they are currently investigating the cause of the fire.

"Trench Town, Half-Way Tree and York Park fire station responded. Thirteen adults and seven children were affected, and the estimated loss was $2.2 million. When we got here, we were told that a man of unsound mind caught the house on fire, but based on our inspection, we didn't find any clue which supported that claim. Presently, it is undetermined," Bryan said.

jodi-ann.gilpin@gleanerjm.com