Ten people were left homeless after fire destroyed two houses in Lower Crescent, Gall Hill, Christ Church, yesterday afternoon.
Jenille Dublin, and three children, who are overseas, lost all the possessions in their wooden home, which was shared with Sherma George, her boyfriend and three family members.
Meanwhile, residents were only able to save a few household items from the unfinished wall house of next-door neighbour Elbert Jean-Baptiste, 51, who lived alone. The fire started in Dublin's house and quickly spread to Jean-Baptiste's house.
"I got a phone call from a friend who told me the house next door was on fire, but by the time I got here, my house was flat. I don't know where I'll be spending the night," said Jean-Baptiste.
Resident Thelma Trotman said: "I just got up from sleep and saw the smoke but I thought it was stuff. [After I saw the fire] I shout to two neighbours, then some young fellows here had to break down the second house [Jean-Baptiste's] door and take out what they could." A fridge, living room and dining room sets and a television were pulled out, said Henderson Walcott, one of the men who helped. Firemen said they received a call at 1:28 p.m. and they responded with two tenders and eight officers.
George said they were hoping to stay with her mother for the night. Member of Parliament for the area Joe Edghill, as well as a representative of the Welfare Department were on hand to see what assistance could be provided. (CA)
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