UPDATE: Fire in Calibishie; owner of house morns loss

The house on fire

 

The house after the fire
The interior of the house after the fire

Shortly before 2 pm, on Thursday, a fire, the origin of which is still unclear, ravaged the two-storey home of Winston Warrington, tearing through the entire upper floor and severely damaging the rest, despite the efforts of neighbors and firefighters.

DNO interviewed Warrington, whose somber tones and blank expressions spoke of the pain of severe loss and the torture of distinct uncertainty.

Warrington said, “When the fire started I was at the bayside and a little girl came running to me and told me that there was fire inside the house. I ran to the house and up the steps into the house. By the time I got there, the fire was on a couch and I tried using a hose.” He shrugs his shoulders and continued, “But nothing could be done. In a flash, everything was gone”

Warrington said that he had lost a number of items in the house including his US passport and other documents as well as an antique bass guitar.

“I lost a lot of stuff in that fire. My brother had a lot of stuff inside of there too. He had about eight barrels of stuff in there, you know, stuff from coming and going. So we lost a lot. I had instruments inside, one in particular was more than 30 years old, a bass guitar. It was a collector’s item,” he said.

He is still hopeful despite his loss and remains incredibly optimistic and strong while having to deal with the fallout.

“Well, you take so long to get things and all of a sudden, it’s just gone. But that’s just the way the ball bounces, you have to take life as it comes, one day at a time. You have to take everything in stride,” he said in conclusion.

No one was hurt, but nothing of any significant value was saved from the fire.

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59 Comments

  1. Anne Austrie
    July 29, 2011

    Words are insufficient to describe our feelings. We are so touched by your love and concern that you have showered on our family during our time of sadness. Thank you, to the firedepartment. Hats off to our community, Calibishie. Thanks to each and everyone for your love and support. THANKS!!

    Warrington and Austrie Family

  2. Anonymous
    July 28, 2011

    life is very difficult and any thing can happen at anytime be guided accordingly :)

  3. dc
    July 24, 2011

    Can you imagin a fire truck coming from Portsmouth to Calibishie to out a fire in a house that is over 50 years old. This is real dry wood with the breeze from the ocean, how much more can those firemen do?????? Sorry about your lost Winston and Vincent.

    • Anne Austrie
      July 29, 2011

      Sorry dc. The house,apart from windows and doors and some flooring and a couple partitions which has been replaced over the years was ninety percent concrete.

  4. BigR
    July 23, 2011

    In every village there should be a volunteer
    Fire dept.These volunteers should be provided with training in firefighting as well medical training,these volunteers can provide stabilization of the wounded and ill until the ambulance arrives. All equipment that is required should be made available by the village council and the Govt of Domiminic.Every year the community should raise funds for that purpose.The sky is the limit.This must be organized NOW.Look at the trend fires in Colihaut Calibishie,SanSauver and many more commmunities. Start NOW.

  5. Fire officer
    July 23, 2011

    ppl there’s no need to bash the fire service and the work they do, we are well trained in what we do and hence don’t need to be bashed and all that negativity. when work is done u never “well done or hats off to the fire service” all u hear is critic and negativity. the hydrants in the area wasn’t working and yes the sea was readily available but, running sea water from the sea to through the trucks would result in seizing of the pump on the truck………
    when we made request for hydrants to be placed in the villages and @ strategic positions, the request aren’t met so these problems will arise in places like calibishe, woodfordhill case in point the fire couple weeks ago @ calibishe same hydrant problem…
    although sometimes ppl think they know better and can do better or we should do better , AYE that’s our profession, this is what we do 365 days a year.

  6. ROSO-SORT
    July 22, 2011

    HOPE POLICE AND THE AUTHORITIES INVESTIGATE THE REAL CAUSE

    WE HAVE TO HAVE AN OPEN MIND

    TOO MUCH SCIENCE AND DEADLY PEOPLE AROUND

    ALL YOU CANNA KEEP A GOOD MAN DOWN

    YAH BLAME IT ON SKERRO AND FIRE HYDRANTS

    JAH-LOUSSIE SAY MET SORCE-SIAY

    WHAT EVER HAPEN IN THE DARKNESS WILL COME

    OUT IN THE LIGHT

    ALL YOU CANNOT STOP THAT FAMILY STRONG

    HARD WORKING PEOPLE

    THEY WILL REBUILD A BIGER AND BETTER HOUSE

    AND MORE PEOPLE WILL GRUDGE BUT D MAJORITY

    OF CALIBISHIE PEOPLE ARE VERY SYMPATHETIC AND TRIED THEIR BEST TO SAVE THE HOUSE

    PARY AND HOLD STRONG MA BOY WARRINGTON

    WHO JAH BLESS NO MAN CURSE

    IT HURT MY HEART TO SEE YOUR PROPERTY GO UP IN FLAMES

    AM HAPPY NO ONE DIED AS A RESULT

    PEACE MY BROTHER

  7. Free Thinker
    July 22, 2011

    I am sorry about your material loss which took you years to acquire, but at the same time I am happy that there were no injuries or deaths. It is hard and our faith gets tested, but try to see the blessing in all of this. You are God’s children and He will not bring you this far to abandon you. Keep the faith, God’s strength and blessings.

  8. correction
    July 22, 2011

    *mourn not morn

  9. Truth,Justice,Peace
    July 22, 2011

    Is this the same house where it was stated on DNO some months ago that someone had observed an electrical cord in the house on fire and that the hydro company was called? I did enquire what was done by this company. If so, it could have been an electrical fire, poor wiring. If this is due to the negligence of the company, it could be sued.
    If there is one thing I fear is fire. As a child, those few times I would hear of a fire and see one in Dominica, it had a bad effect on me. As an adult, although accustomed to hearing of fires and many year round in the country I reside in, to this day I fear the thought of it. I take great precautions.
    I recall when I migrated to Canada, one summer’s day I was alone and while having a bath, the fire alarm went off. I hate the noise of a fire alarm. It is scary. I quickly got out of the bath tub, dried myself, put on some clothes and went outside. I was shaking all over. This was my first experience but there was no fire to my knowledge. There are false alarms.
    Houses should also have fire detectors, alarm systems and a sprinkler, the latter, if not in the home, nearby.
    This should serve as a lesson also for the government who should advise nationals accordingly and to purchase them and install them in their home. They could save lives as well.
    It certainly is a disappointment to lose everything as memorabilia in a fire. My heart goes out to him and his family.
    Fire hydrant close to the area or not, we never know when fire will strike and quickly consume everything in its path. Especially if it is an electric fire, the fire will spread just as a raging forest fire and as fast as the wind blows.
    There are times the Fire Department responds as soon as it receives a call but there is nothing that can be done.
    Some fire men/women have lost their lives fighting fires and going into a building with burning flames to search for occupants who may be trapped. They do take chances to save lives and for the purpose of their jobs. If they are successful, they could receive a heroe’s citation and a promotion with increased salary.
    Mention was not made if the owner had insurance. It would be a sad thing if he did not have insurance coverage. I wish him well.

    • Anonymous
      July 22, 2011

      In your first paragraph you stated calling the hydro company for a loose electrical cord on fire……WHY WOULD YOU WANT TO CALL SUCH A COMPANY & not the electrical company?….Lol

    • July 23, 2011

      That was very good advice to all home owners having proper fire system equipment can and could save not only lives but sometimes you could get to take with you the important documents when getting out and another thing all important documents must always be in a special package and access to it must be reachable .
      I hope that the building code in DOMINICA have in it that fire prevention system must be evident especially upon inspection and if it is not charge both builder and owner of the house, these are all the different things that is needed in DA it’s impotant.
      I feel for the owner and I hope that he have faith in GOD because he dont give us more than we can handle and I know he will make it as for his passport it will take a while but he will get it back.
      Brother I prayer that all will be well for your family and yorself.

  10. ?????????????
    July 22, 2011

    To the Warrington Family this is a great loss but be hopeful and put your trust in the Father. I could not help but remember Job who lost everything but he continued to trust in the Lord. Be hopeful in the only one who can comfort you in this your time of loss. He has given us a lot of promises which are true – one being I will never leave you nor forsake you. You will see a lot of persons who will in their own way try to comfort you, some even they mean well will not be able to do so in the most proper way.

    I am sure that once you keep your eyes on him and get closer to him, he will give back to you (sometimes even more than you ever expected). So get closer to him, trust him, be obedient to him and do all he has asked you to do. Remember after Job’s dilema, he was restored sevenfold what he has lost.

    I pray that God will send his holy Spirit to minister to your heart and restore you more than before. All this will be done for his glory and Honour. Thank you Father for holding up the Warrington family. Do not despair.. He will never leave you nor forsake you.

  11. GOD'S CHILD
    July 22, 2011

    why between Portsmouth and Marigot don’t have a fire station? That is madness. Money is spending recklessly in Dominica on things that are not priority. No fire station no fire hydrans.

    I see ambulance is transport to go and do message.

    No medicine in hospital but they are spending MILLIONS on a palace that will NOT benefit Dominicans.

    Are we thinking at all in this country?

    In this day and age, we have more vehicles on the road, the west coast road is being resurfaced roughly because I still feel LOTS of bumps and NARROWED at the same time? Isn’t that a waste even though we get a gift they say. We either get something good or do not get at all.

    Please Dominica government STOP seating at your desk, go around the island and find out what are the priorities of this BLESSED land.

    Fire victims, it is HARD but just thaks God that there was NO DEATH.

    • Anonymous
      July 22, 2011

      What are the things that money is being spent on that is not necessary? Do you have facts or you are simply repeating what you have heard other ppl say? When was the last time you were hospitalized or visited there to state that there is no medicine? Why don’t you make an appeal to the many individuals who utilize the hospital services and dont pay for it to pay up? Maybe then the hospital would be able to buy more medication to replenish its stock.

  12. utoofast
    July 22, 2011

    where that jacka** come out asking if that should be in da news?Go park your unjustified…good for nothing ass on the side WTMA nuh

  13. Odette
    July 21, 2011

    Hey Winston, Vincent,Freddie, Micheal & the rest, I am so sorry to see, but be strong. There’s going to be better days ahead. Let’s all be thankful that no one was hurt.

  14. BRAIN DAMAGE
    July 21, 2011

    Water, Wind and Fire, partners in crime.
    Hold on strong affected Family. Believe you all will be blessed with another house.

  15. GWEN BAMBOO
    July 21, 2011

    I cannot believe in this day and age, lack of fire hydrants would be an issue. Poor excuse!

  16. aajoseph
    July 21, 2011

    I have fond memories in that house and yard (my aunty’s home). Such great loss.

  17. ok
    July 21, 2011

    This calls for the fire officers to go round the island in every village and assess the fire hydrants or lack of in every village and make some recommendation for each village and town about where hydrants are lacking. We need to stop being so reactive.This is so unfortunate. My thoughts are with the family.

  18. Anonymous
    July 21, 2011

    OMG this is my family house… lots of memories at this place… very sad to see

  19. Anthony P. Ismael
    July 21, 2011

    Absence of fire hydrants has forced them to use water from the sea.
    The first statement is telling of what needs to be done in this part of the country. More Fire Hydrants.
    It’s tough to lose one’s home in these tough economic times. Thankfully, no one was hurt.

    • July 23, 2011

      Yes this was my child hood home where much love was shared among my family and friends, my parents never met a stranger without offering something to eat or drink when they passed through the village, It is there I learned about loving people no matter what the deed, through the eyes of my parents, Etteine and Cathering warrington, it is there in that house wher we knelt down with the family and had many prayers before bed time. I know to many people it is just a house, but to my family it was home no matter where we travled. There are so many memories there, that house that once was home. In spite of it all GOD is good and we have so much to be thankful for, no lives were lost. To my brothers and sisters, I love each and everyone of you with all my heart, remember we have something that is far more precious than materielistic treasures and that is the legecy of love that our parents left us, no fire,no distance no hate,or prdjuices in this life can take that love away from us. That bond of love will see us through any difficulty in this life. My brother Winston, look up, for whence comes your help, our help comes from the LORD, our GOD who made heavens and earth. My brother Vincent hold on, I know you lost alot of your tools and things to build your home, hold on to GOD’S unchanging hand, he will give you double for the trouble, we are here for you both and for each other, whatever we can help with just let us know. To my sister Clairon Austrie and Linda Warrington, I love you always and nothing will ever separate us. We are a strong family and GOD is still on the throne up above, there is no task too hard for him. A house without love, is just a house,, but a house with love is a home, and that is exactly what we had in that old house we use to call home.

  20. July 21, 2011

    Dominican’s we dont need to bash eatch other!!! the goverment need to put fire station and ambulance in every district and also fire hydrine…not after a this thing we talk bad we need to go forward.da is to sweet for this thing let us come together as one if we do that no country can touch us we will be the best ever…one love

  21. What if?
    July 21, 2011

    Breaking news is good, but I wonder if news of accidents, fires etc. should not be delayed……just in case immediate family members are not yet aware. Just a thought.

    • ......
      July 21, 2011

      very correct…

      don’t understand why this is even in the news, much-less for breaking news :oops:

      • Informant
        July 22, 2011

        While this may be a consideration, it is the duty of journalist to inform of any such event. If someone had been killed in the fire then it would have been advisable to withhold the name to allow sufficient time for family members to be informed but this was not the case.

        My response here is as a former journalist who worked in the US, and as a contact journalist for CNN.

      • Really
        July 23, 2011

        you such an a8888 hole i hope when ur turn you want it on new

      • July 23, 2011

        You see,many of us Dominicians live abroad, and seeing the news online keeps us informed of what is going, I only got to see my family home going up in flames on Dominica News online, how else would i have seen it? Yes, I do agree some things need to be sensored beforeit is put in the news but in cases like this, I feel it is a good thing, I got to look at what was happening to our family home and to read all the sympathetic comments of those caring people of Dominica. Thanks to Dominica newsonline for keeping us informed of what goes on in Dominica.I live in Louisiana and do not hear much of Dominica, except for the internet, I appreciate your web site.

  22. July 21, 2011

    my heart goes out to Mr. Warrington and familly. so sad. hold on strong.

  23. REASONING
    July 21, 2011

    Very sorry,one’s house is their lifetime investment or achievement.Hope the family are able to rebuild,we all who can afford should assist them if needs be.

  24. simply blessed
    July 21, 2011

    My prayers are with the family. Times are so hard and for somebody to lose everything. That is sad.

  25. DA 2 DE BONE
    July 21, 2011

    More fire Hydrants in different parts of every village where it can be accessed by the people trained to use it since the fire services were doing training.

  26. witness
    July 21, 2011

    they did not use water from d sea, a truck from d portsmouth station come to d rescue

  27. hima
    July 21, 2011

    A COUNTRY THAT BOASTS ABOUT 365 RIVERS, LACKING FIRE HYDRANTS IN THE VILLAGES..
    MY HEART GOES OUT TO THE FAMILY OF THIS HOUSE..

  28. trouble
    July 21, 2011

    calibishie that having more fires or wa?

    • I KNow
      July 21, 2011

      IKR>>>I was thinking the same thing

    • Calibishie resident
      July 23, 2011

      You will know next Calibishie is bless woman
      dont say it like u have something against Calibishie Dont have nothing to say just stay quiet.

  29. Anonymous
    July 21, 2011

    we need more fire officers

    • for sure
      July 21, 2011

      is not that, more fire hydrants

  30. ......
    July 21, 2011

    why is this is the news?

    • Mr. Vigilant
      July 21, 2011

      Where did you loose your heart? I am killing a pig tomorrow, should I save the heart for you?

    • papa
      July 21, 2011

      Why can’t it be the news? Did u set the fire and did not want the rest of us to know?

    • me
      July 21, 2011

      huh?

    • Flava
      July 21, 2011

      If you don’t like the story don’t comment on it…u people to effing ignorant. Do u know how hard it is on vincent being in NY and this is going on…Shut up if u doh have nothing better to say…

      • River Street
        July 23, 2011

        While everyone has weight to their opinion, some people just talk on this board just to let it off their chest.: (1) Just having fire hydrants is not going to solve fires. An adequate supply of water is required. (2) Firefighters with the proper equipment are required. (3)Not all fires are fought with water, the right fire extinguishing agent is required for different fires. While the intention is not to blame the victim,I must say many people have been to foreign they learn certain good / bad habits out there. Something basic is
        a good habit to copy is having smoke alarms and a fire extinguished can help. Education such as having a fire safety week for schools and the general public ca n be a vital first step.

    • DA 2 DE BONE
      July 21, 2011

      Are u serious?

    • jailbird
      July 21, 2011

      Stupid whenever there is a fire whether is dominica, new york, haiti, or england it always makes the news..So you ignotant horse shut the hell up and show some sympathy is you want to write something….STUPID

    • stupzzzz
      July 21, 2011

      sick @$$ think before you write! stupid!

    • 6pac
      July 21, 2011

      WTMA….nuttin u doe have to do or say? Da is d best f***ing comment u find to make? Wat u wnt to b in d news? Dey shud announce “on the news” sum special classes for Dem Dam ass like u!

    • Informant
      July 22, 2011

      I’m wondering why your question was even posted. True, you have a right to your view but lord have mercy…

  31. Informant
    July 21, 2011

    The house belongs to my family… I feel so much for them, and my prayers are with them.

    • July 23, 2011

      Thank you informant for your prayers. We are fine, GOD is more that able to do above what we ask or think. We must also prayer for others who may not speak in wisdom, that they will come to understand that trouble can come to anyone of us at anytime in life, it does not matter who you are, trouble have no favorites, keep on praying. Much love.

  32. DIsappointed
    July 21, 2011

    the fire department needs to do a much better job! i was very disappointed… They need to be trained much more. They are not capable for the job.

    • BIG
      July 21, 2011

      Then make your self avaliable for the job!! Your services would be welcome

      • ?????????????
        July 22, 2011

        Sen an application to the Fire Department.

  33. Anonymous
    July 21, 2011

    Lord we need you more than ever before. Be our protector be our guide.

    • July 23, 2011

      You said it all, yes we need him in all areas
      of life. Be bless.

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