Seven buildings destroyed in Duke Street fire in Falmouth, Trelawny

Trading activity in Falmouth's busy shopping district came to a halt on Tuesday after a major fire broke out on Duke Street in Trelawny shortly after 10:00 a.m. Flames that started at a house spread to adjoining properties, destroying seven buildings in total and wiping out six businesses. Two residents were left without homes, though no injuries were reported.

The fire moved from the dwelling into a recording studio, a clothing store, two bars, a restaurant, and other structures along the strip. Merchants and onlookers watched as years of investment and stock were lost within hours.

One resident who often shopped in the area said the clothing store was a particular blow to the community. "I sympathize with especially the clothes store," the resident said, noting that prices there were reasonable and that the shop supplied a large volume of uniform material with the new school term due in September. "I know it's going to affect the community at large," the person added.

A man nearby said he first noticed an unusual burning smell, unlike ordinary garbage, and recognized the odour of pitchpine board. He looked across in time to see smoke rising from the top of a building. He used a bucket to throw water toward the flames as they spread along wiring from a light pole. In thick smoke and high flames, he and others tried to keep the fire from reaching another section of the street where further damage seemed unavoidable. He pointed out that the fire station is only about five minutes away.

The cause of the blaze has not been established. Acting Assistant Commissioner Roland Walters of the Falmouth Fire Department said materials inside the structures were highly flammable. Crews called for help from St. James and spent more than three hours bringing the fire under control.

Walters said the buildings were type-three structures built with Spanish wall, board, and brick, which created a very heavy fire load. "It is highly flammable," he said.

Business operators are now assessing losses estimated in the millions of dollars, while the two displaced residents face an uncertain path forward.