Second blaze hits JDF Upper Camp barracks in St. Andrew

Fire crews were called again to Upper Camp, the Jamaica Defence Force headquarters in St. Andrew, after a blaze broke out at a barrack building — the second such incident there within weeks.

In a statement issued this afternoon, the JDF said the fire started at about 2:30 p.m. Its own fire unit and the Jamaica Fire Brigade arrived promptly and worked together to bring the flames under control. The blaze was put out at about 3:30 p.m., though cool-down work was still under way.

The army said the cause has not yet been established. A formal inquiry will begin once the relevant authorities declare the damaged area safe to enter.

Acknowledging public concern over a second fire at Upper Camp so soon after the earlier one, the JDF said it continues to apply careful management systems and safety protocols at all of its facilities.