The cause of Sunday’s fire that displaced 30-plus residents at a Gresscott Lane rental complex in George Town remains under investigation by the Cayman Islands Fire Service.
The Fire Service, in a brief statement on Monday afternoon, said the investigation into the fire’s origin is under way and further details will be provided as they become available.
It said on Sunday the Fire Service was alerted at 2:57pm to a report of a structure fire at Gresscott Lane, George Town and the fire crew arrived on the scene at 3:02pm “to find flames and smoke visible from the front door of the residence”.
Firefighters began fire-suppression efforts, the statement said, and “swiftly brought the fire under control by 3:08pm and it was fully extinguished by 3:11pm”.
Chief Fire Officer Randy Rankin, in a brief statement on the incident, made a special appeal for the public to adhere to fire safety protocols.
“Prevention is key. The fire service is doing its part and we ask the public to join in observing fire safety at all times.”
Rankin also commended the firefighters for the quick response that stopped the fire from spreading.
“We remain steadfast in our dedication to safeguarding the wellbeing of Cayman,” he added.
Fire victims bunk with friends after blaze
Meanwhile, two of the 30-plus residents displaced by Sunday’s fire spent the night at their fire-impacted complex on Gresscott Lane, off Rock Hole Road, after they declined the offer to stay at the Cayman Islands Red Cross shelter.
The remaining residents chose to bunk with friends, however, with the building remaining shut Monday. They are seeking interim accommodations.
Francisco Pinellas, speaking with the Cayman Compass on Monday, said he was able to sleep at his friend’s house on Sunday night and while he was comfortable there he said he would like to go home.
However, it is unclear when the complex will be reopened as the fire probe is ongoing and power has not been restored to the property.
When the Compass visited the complex, a security guard was posted at the property by owner Prentice Panton to prevent any attempts at looting the residents’ possessions.
The Red Cross, when asked if residents accessed the shelter, told the Compass on Monday that they were informed that at least 10 to 15 individuals who were affected by the fire might require emergency shelter.
As a result, the Red Cross said the shelter was opened at 6pm Sunday.
“A team from the CIRC shelter visited the site of the fire and spoke with several members of the affected household who confirmed that some individuals were planning to make their way to the Red Cross shelter. As of 11pm Sunday, no one checked in at the shelter. The shelter closed at 12am,” the Red Cross said.
The Red Cross said that it responded swiftly to the situation and “stands ready to provide shelter and support if the need arises”.
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