Massive fire in St. Thomas

A massive bush fire has engulfed sections of Western St Thomas. It has triggered landslides on the Mahogany Vale Road. As a consequence, the road was impassable up to late Saturday evening.

Errol Greene, Secretary Manager of  the St Thomas Parish Council, told RJR News that the fire, which started in Llandewey last week, had spread to several areas.

He said he had been in touch with senior fire fighting personnel, including the Commissioner of the Jamaica Fire Brigade, but admited that "because of the terrain... it poses some challenges to them, in terms of geting it out."

The situation was that much more difficult, he said, because of the windy conditions in the area.

Several hectares of  farmland have been destroyed by the fire, he reported, with several coffee farms "totally wiped out."

The coffee farmers were getting ready to harvest the crop when the fire struck, he said.

Mr Greene said several government agencies have responded and are trying to provide assistance to persons affected by the fire.