PEACE VIEW, St. James — A devastating fire in the Peace View community of St. James on Saturday afternoon has left six people, including two children, without a home. The blaze destroyed a five-unit apartment structure, reducing it to ashes and leaving the affected families with nothing to recover.
The fire reportedly broke out shortly after midday, spreading rapidly through the board-constructed building. Residents were at home when the alarm was raised, prompting a desperate scramble to safety. Fortunately, all occupants managed to escape, though two adults sustained minor injuries in the process.
Emergency teams, including two fire units and an ambulance from the Montego Bay Fire Station, arrived swiftly to battle the flames. Despite their best efforts, the building was completely consumed. Firefighters, however, were able to prevent the fire from engulfing nearby structures, averting what could have been an even greater tragedy.
The estimated loss stands at approximately $4 million. Unfortunately, the building was uninsured, leaving the victims without financial recourse.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the blaze as residents and community members rally to offer support to the displaced families.
