Four buildings gutted by fire in St Joseph

A LARGE piece of St Joseph’s colonial history was destroyed last night, when fire swept through and gutted four buildings each reportedly over a hundred years old, situated at the corner of King and Abercromby Streets, St Joseph. Police and fire officials were at the scene of the fire up to 9 pm last night, interviewing persons and trying to ascertain the exact cause of the blaze, which police believe was electrical. “These buildings were built over a hundred years ago and a large portion of their architecture was constructed with wood. The wooden buildings built side by side and a strong breeze, were contributing factors to the fire spreading so quickly,” said one fireman, who asked not to be identified. According to police reports, the fire started around 6.15 pm when smoke was seen coming from a Mazda 323 car parked on the road opposite the houses.

A police source told Newsday they received reports from residents, that a sparking T&TEC overhead line fell on the car, igniting it. The sparks from the lines, which were connected to one of the gutted houses, caused that building to catch fire and a strong, steady breeze, did the rest. A report was made to the nearby St Joseph police who in turn contacted the Tunapuna fire station. Fire Tenders from Port-of-Spain Fire Headquarters, Tunapuna and San Juan stations responded to the call. A team of St Joseph police officers led by Sgt Hendron Moses, and including Sgt Fredericks, Ag Cpl Bernard and PC Boodoo also arrived on the scene and kept a large curious crowd at bay, as the firemen struggled to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to other houses. Owners of  buildings next to the burning structures reportedly doused their property with water using garden hoses in an effort to prevent the flames from spreading.

Police sources said the first house which caught fire and which is located next to Nyabinghi’s Club, was owned by Frank Fulchan and his wife Seemattie. “I living there about 12 years now....I don’t know what going to happen now. My house burn down flat,” stated a dazed Frank Fulchan as he stood on the road looking at the smouldering ruins of his home. The second building, situated adjacent to Fulchan’s house, was owned by the nearby St Joseph RC Church. The third building (adjacent to the one owned by the Church), was owned by Janet Gouveia and her family. A fourth house, located behind the three buildings, was also destroyed. Residents told Newsday that the Gouveia family had recently moved out of their house, which was unoccupied. Officials from TTEC immediately cut power to prevent any further sparks. The power cut plunged the surrounding area into darkness. Even power to the traffic lights at the busy Eastern Main Road and Abercromby Street intersection was cut. TTEC and police officials are due to revisit the scene of the fire this morning, to continue investigations.