Million-dollar fire at El Socorro

AN AUTO parts business, a small printery and a computer store were destroyed in a fire which broke out at SJ Auto Parts Limited at El Socorro Road, San Juan, early yesterday.

Up until 11 am yesterday, fire officers were unable to contain the fire because of water shortages.

Foam was used to prevent the flames from spreading to other buildings, but frustrated fire officers told Sunday Newsday they are fed up of the water shortages they face whenever they respond to fires.

At about 7.30 am, Shastri Jamuna was at his home on El Socorro Road when he saw smoke coming from his business place, SJ Auto Parts Limited. He made a check and discovered that a warehouse used to store auto parts in sealed containers was engulfed in flames.

Jamuna contacted fire officers from the San Juan and Wrightson Road fire stations and they responded with several fire tenders.

The area surrounding the fire was cordoned off and traffic was diverted as the firefighters tried to extinguish the flames. However, the fire quickly spread to Cassims Computing and a small printery.

The owners of the business places could only look on helplessly as the flames spread quickly.

By midday yesterday the fire was contained but the area was cordoned off in the event that the flames reignited.

The cause of the fire has not yet been determined. Fire prevention officers are expected to return to the scene today to continue investigations.