Barracks at Oracabessa Police Station badly damaged by fire

By Kimone Witter    

 

The barracks at the Oracabessa Police Station in St. Mary was extensively damaged by fire on Monday evening.

 

Superintendent Bobette Morgan Simpson, Commanding Officer for the St. Mary Police, said at least four officers lost their belongings in the fire which started about 7 p.m.

 

"There has been considerable damage done to the building. The fire started in the front section of the building and then spread to the rear. Members have been affected. One member in particular lost all his belongings that he had in the space and there are others who have also lost belongings," she lamented.

 

She said the cause of the fire is still unclear but the Port Maria Fire Station is investigating. 

 

The operations of the police station have not been affected by the blaze. 

 

Junior Opposition Spokesperson on National Security Jouvaughnie Byfield has recommended an inspection of the Oracabessa Police Station in St. Mary to reduce the risk of fires and other hazards. 

 

"Investigations are still underway but as a former member of the Jamaica Contabulary Force, I can tell you that a majority of these stations and the barracks, because of...the deplorable state that they are in, I think what is needed and necessary at the moment is full inspection of said buildings, especially on the electrical side," he said, speculating that the blaze at the barracks may have been because of electrical issues.