ST CATHERINE, Jamaica – More than 20 people, including children, have been affected after a fire engulfed several homes along the Spanish Town Bypass at the intersection of Salt Pond Main Road on Thursday night.

Superintendent Dennis Lyon, divisional commander for the St Catherine Division of the Jamaica Fire Brigade, confirmed that the call came in at 11:29 pm and a unit was immediately dispatched.

“En route to the fire, the Brigade observed massive smoke emitting into the atmosphere and an additional unit was requested,” said Lyon.

On arrival, firefighters discovered multiple homes on fire, some constructed from concrete and others from boards with zinc roofing. Due to the close proximity of the buildings in the tightly knit area, the fire spread quickly.

A total of three fire units and 17 firefighters were on site, eventually bringing the blaze under control and extinguishing it.

Lyon confirmed that no fatalities or injuries were reported. However, 14 adults and seven children were affected and have been displaced by the fire.

Superintendent Lyon said investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing.

He and his team visited the scene Friday morning and will continue their assessment throughout the day.