A devastating late-night fire has left a trail of destruction in Leslie Land, reducing several homes to ashes and damaging others, as firefighters worked for hours to bring the blaze under control.
According to officials from the Saint Lucia Fire Service, the fire broke out just before midnight and quickly spread through the area, threatening multiple structures.
“Based on our records, the fire started at 23:22 just before midnight and was brought under control about three hours later,” Assistant Divisional Officer, Owen Cazaubon, reported.
“In total, there were three units. In total, damages to seven structures, however, three of which were completely destroyed, and the others were partially damaged through the heat flux.”
Firefighters faced significant challenges while battling the blaze, particularly with access to an adequate water supply.
“The officer in charge did indicate that there were challenges as it pertained to water supply,” he explained.
“The hydrant, the pressure was extremely low and as a result could not replenish the fire truck, therefore they had to source water in another hydrant and on the walk that’s where they got water.”
The situation improved only after intervention from water authorities. “Later on, though, the water authority was who came in to boost up the pressure, and they were able to obtain water from that hydrant,” the officer added.
Despite the difficulties, Officer Cazaubon explained, crews were able to prevent the fire from spreading further into the surrounding community, though the damage left behind is substantial.
Authorities have since launched an investigation to determine the cause of the blaze, but officials caution that answers may not come immediately.
“The fire is under investigation and the investigation, the results of the investigation would say if it’s accidental, incendiary, undetermined,” he said. “As we speak now, I do not have that information. It has, you know, investigation is a very complex endeavor. It may take days for us to, you know, get the results.”