Update | Fire at barracks extinguished, cause ‘undetermined’ - JDF
Loading article...
A fire that broke out Friday night at the barracks area of Up Park Camp in St Andrew, the headquarters of the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), has been extinguished, the army says.
There are no reports of injuries.
“The fire has since been successfully extinguished. At this time, the cause of the fire remains undetermined,” the army said, confirming that the blaze started at approximately 7:41 p.m.
A video circulating on social media showed the building engulfed in flames.
The army said the fire was brought under control by the JDF Fire Unit, supported by multiple Jamaica Fire Brigade stations, including Rollington Town, Half-Way Tree, York Park, Trench Town, and Spanish Town.
The JDF said the units “responded swiftly and worked collaboratively to contain the blaze”.
“A formal investigation will commence as soon as the affected area has been declared safe for entry by the relevant authorities,” the statement added.
Earlier, Fire Brigade Commissioner Stewart Beckford had confirmed that firefighters were battling an active blaze at the location, describing the affected structure as living quarters.
Follow The Gleaner on X, formerly Twitter, and Instagram @JamaicaGleaner and on Facebook @GleanerJamaica. Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169 or email us at onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com or editors@gleanerjm.com.