Supermarket in Westmoreland damaged by fire

Westmoreland businessman Moses Chybar is counting himself fortunate after a fire erupted this afternoon at Quality Traders Supermarket and Wholesale in West End, Negril.

The fire, which started around 3:30 p.m., damaged sections of the building’s electrical system and triggered explosions from solar batteries on the property.

Although he was not present at the time of the fire, Chybar, speaking at the scene, explained what caught a section of the building ablaze.

“We had a fire, and the fire started from a light pole, the JPS pole line. There were some gashes [and] some sparks on the JPS pole line, and then shortly after that, there was some loud noise and smoke coming from some sections of electrical panels on the building on the outside. Right in that vicinity, we have solar batteries."

He said it was indicated that most of the batteries exploded.

"They would have erupted, and there was a huge fire. The fire brigade was called, and they came and were able to contain the fire. There is a large solar system here on the premises that powers the entire building, and this is a system we have had for a few years now and... it is in good condition,” he said.

While surmising that the fire could be linked to electrical issues, he said investigations will have to determine the exact cause.

According to him, the area has been struggling with voltage irregularities since power was restored following the passage of Hurricane Melissa.

“We have been having some voltage issues, and I know that we would have contacted JPS [Jamaica Public Service], and they would have done something to correct the low-voltage issue... a few days ago,” he said.

“…we are dealing with electricity, which can be a dangerous thing; it is a useful thing, but it can also be dangerous, so take all necessary precautions to ensure that everything is done properly and according to standards,” he asserted.

Firefighters were able to contain the blaze before it spread to other parts of the building.

No injuries were reported.

The fire brigade is expected to assess the damaged electrical components and solar equipment to determine the origin of the fire.

- Mickalia Kington

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