The New Year celebrations in the city of Castries were interrupted by the sounds of ambulance and fire sirens.
Fire and Rescue personnel from the St. Lucia Fire Service were called to extinguish a blaze in a community in Castries in the wee hours of New Year’s Day.
Initial reports indicated that approximately eight dwellings in the community of Rose Hill were destroyed due to the early morning blaze.
According to an eyewitness, emergency vehicles experienced difficulties reaching the burning buildings due impart to the size of the roads.
The severity of damage and loss of life was unconfirmed at press time.
An investigation into the cause of the fire has begun.
For eight houses to be burnt out, it must be that they must be in relatively close proximity
to each other. It is reported that emergency had difficulty reaching the scene, due to the
narrowness of the road at Rose Hill.
How could ‘Building Permits’ be issued for construction for homes in a community with
questionable access roads? Where is the allowable Spatial distance between Buildings?
Because of the frequency of fires in dwelling units in St.Lucia, can I offer some fire safety
tips? In issuing ‘Permits for dwellings’ will the department in charge, ensure that all Kitchens
be built, encapsulated, with non other than – non combustible – material, and if it is of commercial
use, be protected with a smoke alarm; that’s not expensive, these will save on – Insurance Cost.