Westmoreland warehouse inferno
Savanna-la-Mar stakeholders grateful no lives lost after massive fire threatens gas station, church
Published:Thursday | February 20, 2025 | 12:07 AMAshley Anguin/Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
Savanna-la-Mar, Westmoreland was engulfed in smoke for over three hours yesterday afternoon as a massive fire tore through a warehouse near the popular Imperial Plaza on Great George Street.
The blaze forced police to evacuate business operators in the area, while firefighters battled to protect and prevent a nearby gas station and church from being dragged into the inferno. The A1 Equipment Batteries and Accessories warehouse, housing oil, tyres and heavy equipment, burned with such intensity that onlookers could feel the heat penetrating their skins.
According to Savanna-la-Mar Mayor Danree Delancy, the fire was ignited approximately 3 p.m.
Delancy said he was notified by the Jamaica Fire Brigade, who urgently requested assistance from the Westmoreland Municipal Corporation’s trucks.
“Unfortunately, one of our trucks is down and the other was busy delivering water house to house in the Negril area,” he said. “We immediately called that truck back to Savanna-la-Mar, had it refilled at the Petersfield refilling area, and dispatched it to the scene.”
Last night, though the inferno was described as contained, Oniel Henry, fire chief for the Westmoreland Fire Department, said he was unable to comment as the authorities were still conducting their investigations.
In the meantime, Andrew Williams, chief executive officer for Regency Petroleum, owners of the warehouse, said it remained unclear how the fire was ignited.
“It is just an unfortunate situation, and we are happy there were no serious injuries and no one died,” Williams told The Gleaner.
He acknowledged that the situation could have been far more serious.
George Wright, member of parliament for Westmoreland Central, said he was relieved that no one was hurt.
“There are a lot of buildings close to where the fire started, so everyone would be in a panic mode,” said Wright, in whose constituency the fire occurred. “Thank God the fire never escalated where it would go on to other properties.”
With the parish already grappling with a severe drought that has significantly strained local water resources, and with yesterday’s firefighting efforts facing extra challenges, the mayor noted that private water truck operators in the parish stepped in with tremendous support.
“I must say thanks to them,” Delancy said. “They responded well and voluntarily assisted in bringing the fire under control.”