A massive fire in the drought stricken community of Malvern in St. Elizabeth, has razed hundreds of acres of farmlands and damaged property as well as farm supplies.
Livestock was also destroyed in the blaze, which started early Saturday.
At news time, personnel from the Santa Cruz, Junction and Black River Fire Stations, were trying to contain the blaze that is now threatening sections of the Bigwoods and Mountainside Plains.
Assistant Superintendent of the Black River Fire Station, Harry Clarke, says his teamencountered difficulties en route to the scene.
“We responded with one unit from the Santa Cruz fire station … we are battling a huge blaze , so far about 600 acres of farm and pasture land have been destroyed by this fire.
Based on a report from a very large cattle farmer in the area, someone lit a fire in a section of his pasture and due to severe drought conditions and high winds, the fire spread quickly to adjoining areas,” Clarke said.
Meanwhile, Manager at Fareview Farm in Malvern, Anthony Hamilton, said in less than 30 minutes the fire quickly spread and employees could only stand and watch helplessly.
“On our farm here we lost about 500 acres , we didn’t lose any of t he animals, but when you speak of the posts and wires, you are talking about several thousands (of dollars).
A team from the Jamaica Public Service (JPS) team was dispatched to the company’s wind farm in Munroe, due to the threatening flames.
Firefighters were successful in preventing the fire from reaching Munro College and nearby houses.
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Massive fire destroys hundreds of acres of land in St. Elizabeth
