Jamaica: Devastating fire leaves mother and son homeless

Reportedly, residents were made aware that a fire had spontaneously occurred by the surrounding community, leaving them in shock. The community assisted in putting out the flame but their efforts proved to be futile as the building was soon engulfed in flames.

A call for assistance was made around 1 pm to the fire brigade, but by the time the firefighters arrived, the flames had gotten out of control and engulfed the building. The firefighters then initiated a drill to cool down the rubble.

It has been estimated that the damage from the fire is close to $800,000.

Trelawny is no stranger to house fires, in the month of July, a family of nine got homeless for the same reason. In September community member Marcia Brady was found dead in a house fire.

Even as recently as last month, elderly caretaker Vincent Hayden passed away in a fire that demolished an eight-apartment building.

After having analyzed the situation, the city has invested in constructing a new fire station at Ulster Spring. The Jamaica Fire Brigade will also work on two batches of recruits and training initiatives.

Considering that so many fires have taken place at a higher altitude, two ladder units are also to be procured to fight fires in high-rise buildings.

These announcements were made in the throne speech during the 24/25 ceremonial opening of parliament at Gordon House yesterday, the same day the mother and son got homeless.

Seeing that the fires are adding to the region's already worrying homeless problem, the government has also invested in building homeless shelters so that the less fortunate can have access to a safe space.

This initiative led to 3 night shelters opening up in Trelawny, St Ann, and Clarendon.