Fire destroys three-bedroom house in Red Ground

At around 11:45 am fire of an unknown origin was seen coming from the house belonging to 71-year-old Winston Grant. The dwelling is also occupied by two adults and three children.

No one was at home at the time the fire started. Neighbours had very little time to react to put out the blaze as the entire building was engulfed within minutes.

Nothing was saved. Among a wide range of household items ravaged by the blaze were chest of drawers, dressers and beds, as well as a deep freezer, refrigerators, gas stoves, televisions and home theatre systems.

Losses estimated at over $1 million.

Seven firefighters attached to the Old Harbour Fire Station carried out cooling down operations.

Deputy Superintendent (DSP) of police Damion Manderson is appealing to the public to help the family.

“They need your help with everything,” Manderson, commander in charge of the Old Harbour area, said in a note to the Old Harbour business community. “Please reach out...they don’t have dinner at the least or a place to lay their heads.”

A day later businessman Adrian Samuda was among those who brought care packages to the distraught family.

Grant said the only thing he saved was the clothes he was wearing. He said the shocking news was relayed to him while on his way home after completing a “small job” in Old Harbour town.

Speaking from his daughter’s home in Portmore this evening the mason told Old Harbour News: “One piece a clothes on mi back and not even a good pair a shoes on mi foot. A six a wi live de… it’s so bad.

“The next one she workout with some old people. She left from last week and she no have a house to come to Wednesday when she come home, not even a suit of clothes.”

Persons willing to assist Mr Grant and his family can contact him at 876 538 0823.

“Mi bless you and thank anyone who can try do something to help us. Anybody can do anything to help we, mi give thanks,” he said.

Fire fighters are yet to establish the cause of the fire.