The fire that broke out at around 4:30 p.m. yesterday destroyed three homes and killed a dog and several kittens.
On Saturday afternoon, firefighters from the Saint Lucia Fire Service Headquarters were dispatched to Bishop’s Gap, Marchand, for a fire.
Despite valiant efforts to prevent the fire from spreading to nearby homes and structures, one of which housed a cooking gas retail business, three homes were destroyed.
An area resident says at least eight people have completely changed their lives as a result of the fire, including a lady whose pets were burned to death. “There were kittens there because the cat recently gave birth. The sound of her dog crying broke my heart and I wanted to go save the bully but the fire had gotten too big”, he said. “I know she is going to miss her dog.”
Another resident believes that if the community was equipped with working fire hydrants, two of the three structures could have been saved.
In the aftermath of the fire, at least three families have been forced to relocate, which many said was difficult to accept especially with Christmas just two weeks away. “We are thankful no human life was lost but it is sad to lose everything in front of the season”, a neighbour said as she walked across from the site in disbelief.
A few residents were on Sunday morning preparing to aid their neighbours in a clean-up campaign.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Good morning everyone¨let me first extend sympathies to the victims of the fire; it has to be rough at a time just before Christmas, to lose your home and for one to lose loved companions, a dog companion, a cat with her kittens that are unable to flee, what a way to die, I can hardly bear it.
Here is an opportunity for the one who is Minister of Housing to show his stuff; it is the Constituency of the P.M. so I don’t think there should be any trouble providing the destitute families a place before Christmas. Did these folks have any fire Insurance? How are they to start all over again? a new Bed, couple chairs, a Table and Oh yes by all means, a T.V. be good to them, offer new clothing, night ware, kitchen utensils and some ‘Pets’ how about that. When you sing Christmas Carols, and your Praises to Jesus, show your Heart and Love.