WESTMORELAND, Jamaica — Andrew Williams, the chief executive officer (CEO) of Regency Petroleum Limited (RPL), is clarifying that the building engulfed in flames in Savanna-la-Mar, Westmoreland on Wednesday is a family-owned warehouse, not the gas station as previously reported.

Initial reports had suggested that the RPL gas station on Great George Street in Savanna-la-Mar was completely engulfed in flames. However, speaking with the media, Williams explained that the fire was contained solely to a family-operated warehouse.

“I am happy to report that Regency Petroleum’s offices, head offices, [and] infrastructure have been spared. It’s in good order. Everything is okay. There was no damage to the building. It’s okay. Regency Petroleum, the service station, and the head offices are okay,” Williams said.

He added, “Unfortunately, an adjoining, close by warehouse, family-owned business, the fire was contained in that structure.”

A statement from the company noted that authorities and emergency services are actively monitoring the situation to ensure the safety of the facility and surrounding areas. It said no major injuries or fatalities have been reported.

“It’s a very, very unfortunate situation but we are happy that no one got injured and no one died. And it could have been a lot worse. So thanks again to the fire department and whoever else assisted,” Williams shared.

Initially, two units from the Savanna-la-Mar Fire Station and one from Negril responded to the call. Private water trucks from various locations also supported the efforts by providing water free of cost.

“I am the first one as a private job to assist. Some made three and some made four. If we weren’t here today, Savanna-la-Mar burn out,” commented water truck operator Anthony Clarke.

In the meantime, Member of Parliament George Wright, who sent condolences to the family, has made it clear that hydrants in the town are working and have water in them.

Firefighters, with assistance from the Airports Authority of Jamaica (AAJ), remain on-site to conduct cooling down operations.

Firefighters along with the Airports Authority of Jamaica (AAJ) carrying out cooling down operations as a crowd looks on.

— Anthony Lewis