(Trinidad Express) Three houses, six vehicles and a pet dog were lost in a fire in Freeport that police and fire officers were told was initiated by a resident burning trash yesterday.
The devastation took place in the community of Maraj Avenue on Mission Road, located within a few kilometres of Freeport Police Station.
The concrete and board houses were decades old and occupied by three families, said their relative and spokesperson Michelle Ranjit.
Ranjit told the Express that her relatives were left in shock, distress and anguish over their losses.
“We are poor and humble people and just so traumatised by this. Only yesterday we attended a funeral for a family member. Our family members are very close and we are so torn up by this devastation,” said Ranjit.
She said while the family was grateful that no lives were lost, they were still reeling over the financial losses in the wake of the fire.
Police and fire officers were told that a resident was burning trash close to a bamboo grove at around 10.30 a.m. when the flames began to spread.
Within minutes the fire reached the premises of the first house occupied by Rory Rampersad, 63, and his son, Richard Rampersad, 36.
The blaze engulfed the house and a kennel with their pet dog, Rex.
Six cars in the auto body garage which was run by the father and son were destroyed.
Within minutes, the flames also spread to the neighbouring homes of their relatives Geeta Rajkumar, 54, and her grandson Ricardo Rampersad, 12, and the house in which 78-year-old Meena Omardath and Chandradath Omardath resided.
“Everyone was at home doing household duties and chores. When the fire broke out, people started to bawl out to them and everyone came out. Rory tried to get to the dog but the smoke was too much. There was no water in the taps so everyone formed a bucket brigade to try to save the houses but the buckets did not help because the fire was too much and everything was lost in minutes,” said Ranjit.
The Fire Service responded with four fire tenders and officers extinguished the blaze.
The homeless relatives would stay with their relatives who reside nearby, said Ranjit.
“My 78-year-old aunt is crying and crying. Even though your home is old, it is still yours, but she lost even that,” said the relative.
Ranjit said Rory Rampersad sought medical attention at Couva District Health Facility.
Police officers from the Freeport station also responded and are continuing investigations.
If anyone wishes to assist the families, they can contact a relative at 771-0927.
