Dozens Displaced After Major Fire in Downtown Kingston

Kingston, Jamaica — A fire that broke out on Monday morning has left at least 16 people homeless after destroying several houses on Charles Street and Luke Lane in downtown Kingston.

The blaze, which started around 8:00 a.m., displaced eight families and caused approximately $10 million in damages, according to Acting Assistant Superintendent F. Bennett of the York Park Fire Station. Four fire units were dispatched to battle the flames.

“Approximately eight families were dislocated, consisting of about 12 adults and four children,” Bennett confirmed.

However, local councillor Donovan Samuels believes the number of affected individuals could be as high as 30.

“Many people lost everything because they were not home when the fire started,” Samuels said.

Residents attempted to save their belongings, but the fire spread too quickly. “We called for help and were throwing water, but we couldn’t save anything more,” said Kelly-Ann Dixon, a resident who managed to rescue only her fridge.

Samuels said the Ministry of Labour and Social Security would assess the damage and coordinate relief efforts.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation