Millions lost in Montego Bay warehouse fire, negligence suspected
ST JAMES, Jamaica — A fire believed to have been set carelessly destroyed a warehouse along River Bay Road in Montego Bay on Thursday morning.
Eyewitnesses report seeing a garbage fire in the vicinity of the warehouse before the building became engulfed in flames.
According to the Fire Brigade, it received a call about 12:15 am and responded with two units from the Montego Bay station.
When firefighters arrived, they reportedly saw the entire building ablaze. They used three jets to try and contain the blaze which they managed to do after nearly two hours of firefighting.
Investigations show that items concerning customs brokerage were damaged in the inferno.
The loss is estimated at $50 million and its uncertain if the building and its contents were insured.
The firefighters were kept busy throughout the day. There was also a house fire in Valley Heights in the city that resulted in one individual being rendered homeless.
The fire which started just after 11:00 am, partially destroyed the home. One unit from the Montego Bay station responded to the blaze.
Investigations continue into both incidents.
