A massive fire in Cane Garden, St Thomas, a stone’s throw away from the Lester Vaughan Secondary School, has destroyed three businesses, leaving owners grappling with significant losses and employees uncertain about their future.
The blaze, which erupted on Saturday evening, gutted Quality Bus and Truck Spares, Colour XL Printing Services and Signs, and Speed Shop.
On Sunday, Station Officer with the Barbados Fire Service, Roger Bourne said an emergency call was received at 7:36 p.m.
“We responded to a structural fire here in Cane Garden and found three businesses engulfed in flames. Despite extensive efforts, all three establishments were completely destroyed,” he said.
Firefighters, led by Division Officer Small, battled the inferno through the night, deploying seven fire tenders and a team of 28 officers, including five station officers. B’s Recycling also provided assistance, supplying the excavators to remove debris and water tankers to augment the fire service’s water supply.
Chief Fire Officer Errol Maynard and his deputy Henderson Patrick, were present at the scene as crews worked tirelessly to bring the fire under control.
“The fire is now contained but not fully extinguished. We are conducting final overhaul operations to ensure the site is safe and accessible,” Bourne added.
The intense heat and structural composition of the buildings — primarily steel and galvanised sheeting — complicated efforts to douse the flames.
“We had to use an excavator to remove the mangled metal and extinguish lingering hotspots,” Bourne explained.
While no casualties were reported, some residents voluntarily evacuated their homes as a precaution.
Rosanne Baptiste, a visitor from the UK whose relatives live nearby, described the scene.
“The flames were towering — bright red and orange, unlike anything I’ve ever seen before. It was terrifying yet mesmerising,” she recalled.
Baptiste and her brother assisted elderly neighbours in evacuating their home adjacent to the fire.
“The male occupant left voluntarily, but we had to coax the female out. They stayed with us for a while before relatives took them in for the night.”
The owner of Quality Bus and Truck Spares, the only business confirmed to be insured, was left reeling from the devastation. He said the incident left him in shock, adding that it was a major setback as it was the only location he operated from. He said he could not quantify the losses and was visibly shaken.
He and the other business owners watched as the officers contained the fire Sunday morning.
As investigations continue, authorities have expressed sympathy for those affected.
“We understand the impact this has on the business community and employees. Our thoughts are with them as they navigate this difficult time,” Bourne stated. The cause of the fire remains undetermined, with officials urging caution and vigilance in commercial spaces to prevent similar incidents in the future. (SZB)
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