UPDATE: Fire in Roseau

DSCI3244Offices and business places were abandoned around lunch time as hordes of workers, shoppers and the curious raced to Great George Street when news broke of a raging fire.

The fire reduced one business place to ashes while at the same time threatening to spread to a nearby dwelling house.

Onlookers watched in horror and shouted to fire officers as as the flames grew spewing thick black smoke  into the sky and threatening to blow the glass off the adjacent dwelling house.

The blaze which had started in a barber shop owned by a Haitian national, was eventually brought under control by the fire department.

Several other businesses in the area were affected.

The owner of the barber shop told DNO that he was in Gachette’s Jewelry Store when he heard of the fire.

“I wasn’t inside there …them man that was working in side there so when the fire start,” he said, “When them fireman come they start to send water, send water.”

He said he lost “quite a few things” including TVs, fridge, a laptop, and an iPad. “Even my passport lost,” he said.

The building was not insured and the owner said he believes it was an electrical fire.

“At the back it started …. is electricity man,” he stated. “While them man inside, they see smoke coming from at the back, when they tried to open the door, the smoke just ‘whoosh’ …they had to run out side they couldn’t save nothing, nothing”.

Another witness to the fire spoke about his experience.

“We stood up there and we saw smoke coming from the back of the house, and then we called out saying ‘smoke, smoke, smoke……by the time the occupants of the place knew what was happening it just burst into flames … we were all standing outside there, it just burst into flames”.

Meanwhile the family members of the nearby house which was affected said they will be moving away for good since they lost everything.

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97 Comments

  1. zafagas
    August 1, 2013

    nature isle 365 rivers but not one stand pipe zafagas said so

  2. Abroad
    August 1, 2013

    So Sad that some Dominicans are so damn ignorant and naïve. And I agree with the individual that recognize that its one hose. ONE hose. That’s a joke. These are the things Dominicans need to remember when they are voting instead of gossiping and being stupid with their comments. You all are lucky that this sort of thing does not happen more often, especially with the change in weather, fire can be started in the walls and electrical sockets and spread quicker than one thinks. So to have one hose is a JOKE plus god only knows how long it takes them to get on location. Thank God no lives were lost.

  3. Anonymous
    August 1, 2013

    I can’t understand how the workers in the barber shop and customers did not smell the smoke or see the fire. Does it mean that we have people who can’t smell?

    Can you believe that the workers got alerted only when other people shouted fire. Lots of quetions my brother.

  4. Sunflower
    August 1, 2013

    you mean to tell me i hit the nail so hard on the head yesterday that you all remove my comment. ha ha well tell your reporter to do not rush to have the news out first but to report what exactly happen.

  5. alas
    August 1, 2013

    my brother don’t even have a little insurance to get recompensed for the loss…

    It is especially important for small business owners to carefully consider and evaluate their business insurance needs because they may have more personal financial exposure in the event of loss. If a business owner does not feel he or she has the ability to effectively asses business risk and the need for coverage, he or she should work with a reputable, experienced and licensed insurance broker.

  6. wow
    August 1, 2013

    English is definitely not the main spoken language of Dominica.

    I think we need to startign saying that we have a “patois” like “dem Jamaicans dere”

    Reading some of these comments is like trying to decipher a code.

    Wow.

    I love my Dominica but as a people… we need to know when, where and how. DNO comment section is not the place for all this “foreign type” of language.

    • Chupes
      August 1, 2013

      you take life to freaking seriously

  7. Justice and Truth
    August 1, 2013

    Today, Dominica has more fires than in previous years. The buildings are becoming older. Especially the older buildings of some years, the wiring should be inspected regularly.
    A few months ago there was another fire in Roseau. If I am not mistaken, it may have been close to that area. From what I read it was due to electric wiring. DNO did not post an update.
    Thank God no one was injured. Owners of businesses and homes you should take out an insurance policy. You never know when a fire will occur. It is also helpful if your place is broken into and items stolen, you will be compensated by the insurance company. Ensure that you have proper locks on your doors and windows are secure.

  8. you don know
    August 1, 2013

    Oh lord in them people place

  9. Lil Bo-Pip
    July 31, 2013

    Another opportunity for the Chinese to open shop there.

  10. Lil Bo-Pip
    July 31, 2013

    This fire hose looks like a garden hose to me!

  11. T mama
    July 31, 2013

    overload…electrical..

  12. abc
    July 31, 2013

    but all you not hearing that the have his passport inside there we mister stout man

  13. July 31, 2013

    Dear Roseau Residents:
    Please note that it is dangerous to allow Haitians to cook cat meat in the back of their barber shops. Cat meat takes a long time to cook and Haitians usually leave their “cat” pots unattended to go consult their voodoo priests or priestesses. This can result in serious fires and the loss of lunch AND dinner. I am sorry to hear about the ladies house! Dominicans please guard your cats!

  14. voter
    July 31, 2013

    Help!!!! up till now one year after the Portsmouth tragedy the young lady from Portsmouth CAN’T GET HELP. Empty promises. All now she need help and not getting.
    The owner said he was not there but is electrical, is electrical. Something fishy about that statement.

  15. ????????
    July 31, 2013

    One year after the lady from Portsmouth died in the fire and the daughter and child lost everything in the house, up till now they have not gotten ANY ASSISTANCE from Government for housing? I waiting to see how soon they going and give assistance to the Hatian. Quick quik quik. Is a miracle they doh say the had a vault full of money there too. I watching them so close is not funny dat senseless Government that making empty promises.

  16. July 31, 2013

    Dis is wat we get for removing all the stand pipes in rosesu

  17. St.Croix
    July 31, 2013

    It is so sad thank God it was in the day and not in the night because you never know what would have happen.Claudette I am so sorry but you will survive and I know you will get help Just encourage yourself and be strong. I will talk to you .

  18. trolol
    July 31, 2013

    It’s sad that a man had to loose his bread and butter. Make it worst he’s not the richest of folks, good luck with getting your establishment back in order.

  19. July 31, 2013

    How Did That Fire Happen ?
    I Feeling sorry for de lady house and de Barber shop wii
    De Lady ganna be Shocked when she come to her house DE Lady wasn’t even in de house
    This is the Biggest Fire i Ever Seen
    And The fire wasn’t outing and all de lady roof had fire
    Inside de lady house had fire
    I Dere taking out video
    IM RLY RLY SORRY FOR DE LADY AND DE BARBERSHOP :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry:

    • Malgraysa
      August 1, 2013

      Hashan….have you been drinking so early in the day already? Your language is all over the place. Calm down and rephrase so we can try and understand what you are saying. Thank you.

      • January 13, 2017

        i’m late but do not say hashan hve a little more respect lemme tell u dat allu da ppl drinking more dan haitains so shut the hell up der

  20. Anonymous
    July 31, 2013

    Boy big fire wii if feeling srry fir de lady house and de barber shop :cry: if de lady was dere de lady would be shocked and fainted but de actual question is: How Did The Fire Started ?

  21. pinky
    July 31, 2013

    good job fire fighters. I was there and there was 2 fire trucks. all u them domy in cans there just like to run all u mouth.

  22. candy crush
    July 31, 2013

    i wonder what dat cause the fire

  23. selena gomez
    July 31, 2013

    i am so sorry for wat happened- fire have to stop in dominica :oops:

  24. vent
    July 31, 2013

    This is Roseau the city, ALL of these old buildings should be inspected to make sure that they adhere to modern electrical codes. If the building is not up to codes it should be condemned. That is my opinion. So next time a debate arises for doing away with these old buildings, when you mention historical value think of the bigger picture, which is the potential danger that they pose. A hub for rodents and roaches, poor wiring and plumbing, not to mention that they are just ugly.

    • Justice and Truth
      August 1, 2013

      They do not need to be condemned. They should be inspected and upgraded. This could be done but at a cost. If the owners refuse to do so, then, the building(s) should be condemned.
      Fire alarms should be installed in homes and businesses. This should be mandatory.
      It appears to me that a lot has to be done in Dominica about such matters and other ones.

  25. Big Teeth
    July 31, 2013

    Too many boxes of matches in Roseau.

  26. Morihei Ueshiba
    July 31, 2013

    Why is everyone just standing watching and taking pictures, why don’t they help?

  27. ahhhh
    July 31, 2013

    Dno said selections of Roseau were out of current

    • ahhhh
      July 31, 2013

      section

    • Justice and Truth
      August 1, 2013

      “sections”” of Roseau. If DNO said “selections”, it is an error or is it your error.

  28. KING WILLY
    July 31, 2013

    The streets of the city are very animated as workers have crowded out of their offices to witness the event.

    People on that island have never seen a fire?

    • Anon
      July 31, 2013

      Yes, We have seen many fires before. Some much bigger than this one. But right now, we idle and frustrated and looking for action.

    • Anonymous
      July 31, 2013

      I do agree with you.

      Could you imagine if the house was connected to a gas main which could have resulted in an explosion. Not only the house would have burnt to ashes but also could the interfering spectators would be as well.

      Please people,take note of Health and safety and let the experiences of the fireman do their job a little more professionally.

      • Malgraysa
        August 1, 2013

        If, if, if! Man Dominica has gas main then? If my auntie was a man she would be my uncle. Let’s make sure these business places have adequate insurance before they are allowed to operate. That in turn will ensure that the property will meet adequate safety standards as dictated by the fire dept.

    • Anonymous
      July 31, 2013

      Thats a good comment.

    • A Voice
      July 31, 2013

      But, you are so right. You ought to be commended because everyday a house catching fire in Roseau…

      Some people man.

      So you mean to tell me that whatever part of the world you are in, when a house catches fire people just move on and pass on by like nothing is happening? Unbelievable…

      • hope
        July 31, 2013

        sorry I did not mean to thumbs you down!

    • Justice and Truth
      August 1, 2013

      This is nothing new and I am not surprised. You must be a young one or were not yet born or were still in diapers, :lol: in those days when fires would occur.
      When there were no TV’s, computers, Internet and there was a fire, some people would leave their beds in the early hours of the morning “to go and see the fire”, if they occurred at that time. For some reason, fires attract people as also accidents or certain incidents. People always congregate to view the scene. This is not contained solely to Dominica.
      This reminds me of Paul Keens-Douglas narration of a man who would follow the fire truck, “saying he outing fire. Whenever there was a fire he was there.” This is laughable. I have this on tape.
      All the same, those who viewed the fire were either affected or idle ones – non workers.

  29. ELL HUBBS
    July 31, 2013

    Hubbs reach in time for the Operation!!!

  30. SMH
    July 31, 2013

    its just weird how fire officials operate , based on what am seeing , One officer is operating a hose, isnt there other hose,so other officers could use hydrant in the area to wet other houses so that they catch.only 1 fire trunk in roseau?

  31. Anonymous
    July 31, 2013

    :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: WHAT IS GOING TO MY WORLD

  32. Cyrique
    July 31, 2013

    Thank God there are no fatalities. Very sad indeed. I also hope that they’re able to move on positively. Well done to our galant firefighters!!! God bless Dominica!

  33. sweetest mango
    July 31, 2013

    Does anyone know what actaully casued the fire :?:

    • Insider
      July 31, 2013

      lol…that was funny

      • July 31, 2013

        thats wasn’t funny u retarded ! :twisted:

    • July 31, 2013

      Probly some eletrical stuff that caused the FIRE

  34. Why?
    July 31, 2013

    Thank God it happened in the Day time, and no one got hurt or died. Thank God for water in Dominica,
    and for the fire fighters in this heat of Roseau.

  35. Anonymous
    July 31, 2013

    :!: :-o :arrow: :evil: :idea: :roll: :mrgreen: :twisted: :oops: :?: :-x :-P :-? 8) :cry: :-| :lol: 8-O :( :wink: :-D :)

  36. Da Real Trouble
    July 31, 2013

    But wait awhile nor… so money that store dey like like that? put them Bags and clothes inside nor you doh seeing/smelling that smoke?!

    • Shop Owner
      July 31, 2013

      shut ur face, our live are more impoortant and what u all wishing for will fall right in ur face. we open again, come shop till u drop….

      • Da Real Trouble
        August 2, 2013

        well u sot.. is good I want you u dats y I said tht. and nothing would not have happened to allu if allu had only put to things inside… well I GUESS IS SMOKE BAGS FOR SALE!!!!!!

    • tiny
      August 1, 2013

      so many potentional customers came and see the fire, people who normally wouldnt pass on that lane! plus look the store reach on DNO… i myself dere checking those school bags nice… lol. free advertising boy! lol… but same thing i here saying, that store owner is just ridiculous. those things must be stinking of smoke by now! you have your laundry on the line and before you see a little smoke in the area you running and pull off your clothes from the wire, or your clothes smelling smoky! much more you have a store and a fire burning next door! very unwise to leave the shop open like that.

  37. July 31, 2013

    this is horrilble :!:

  38. dominica hotties gir
    July 31, 2013

    omg gasp :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :(

  39. July 31, 2013

    Thank God other homes were not affected

    • Dominica_Lover
      July 31, 2013

      Should we thank God for the home that was burnt. Was it him or someone else that caused it.

      • mt
        July 31, 2013

        cause vs allow
        google it

  40. just saying
    July 31, 2013

    :cry:

  41. Anonymous
    July 31, 2013

    O.M.G 8-O

  42. hopefull
    July 31, 2013

    so much old houses in Roseau once one catch all must

    • Justice and Truth
      August 1, 2013

      The electrical wires should be inspected.

  43. justin bieber
    July 31, 2013

    boii wat happening to my country na , this is so so sad and i am really sorry to hear that, but wat went wrong?

    • Stealth Critique
      July 31, 2013

      This would be an example of poorly built and maintained houses causing damage to their surroundings.

      • Justice and Truth
        August 1, 2013

        I could understand the newer ones may be poorly built but not the older houses. Houses of today are not built as well as those of previous years.
        You know, in Dominica, it does not appear that they take this matter seriously. The government should ensure that those houses are inspected at least annually.

    • Dominica_Lover
      July 31, 2013

      Are you saying fires do not occur in other countries?

      • justin bieber
        July 31, 2013

        i am not saying that other countries dont havde fires i was just checking that im so sorry for wats to my country- read and understand before u speak.

    • July 31, 2013

      Justin Bieber ur not the real justin bieber

      • Justice and Truth
        August 1, 2013

        :lol: :lol: :lol:

    • Dominica_Lover
      August 1, 2013

      Sorry, but read your other comment and see if you have a writing problem or not. You said initially, “What is happening to my country?” Which indicates something is wrong with the country.

      “justin bieber July 31, 2013
      i am not saying that other countries dont havde fires i was just checking that im so sorry for wats to my country- read and understand before u speak.”

  44. 5 FINGAS TO DA FACE
    July 31, 2013

    thats sad

  45. Anonymous
    July 31, 2013

    im so so sorry for this and so sad that this happened, but wat went wrong?

  46. BIG MITCH
    July 31, 2013

    Rest in piece best barbershop ever, will greatly miss dem good haircuts. :-? :-? :-?

    • July 31, 2013

      Aspetially for de lady house to sad :cry: :cry: :cry: :( :(

  47. Hmph
    July 31, 2013

    Wayyyy.. more heat in d place

  48. $$$$
    July 31, 2013

    DNO you are posting some wrong information here. Not all of Roseau that is without electricity, that’s not the truth, it is only persons who were connected on that particular pole are now left without power.

    I am in town right now at work and we have electricity and didn’t even know that there was a fire until we were told.

    A bit of advise, ensure that you have at least 95% of the facts before you wrongly inform the public again.

    • Quick
      July 31, 2013

      @$$$$ – Suppose it was your company’s generator that was up and running providing your department with electricity? :-D :-D

      • $$$$
        August 1, 2013

        Quick my company has no generator, we connected directly to domlec like most small businesses in Roseau, just so you know. It is apparent that you know very little about electricity, however, I do so let me school you a little bit ok…

        In Roseau, there may be several different power distribution poles which branch out electricity to different segments of town. This means that you in one building will be on one and the building next to you may be on another. Hence if there is a problem on that pole for that segment, the result will be that you will have no electricity yet your neighbouring building will.

        This is to avoid the entire town from being on a stand still in case of something like what happened yesterday happens, because not all businesses have generator.

        I hope this information helps you understand why people needs to get their facts straight and unlike me and the rest of the public who were misinformed by DNO, I give you ‘Quick’ not at least 95% of the information I’ll give you the full 100%.

      • $$$$
        August 1, 2013

        And to all the haters…. WHAT THE FLETCH EVER!!!

    • Justice and Truth
      August 1, 2013

      “advice”

  49. Gwatelle
    July 31, 2013

    the pot was too hot!

  50. youth
    July 31, 2013

    OMG…Hope everybody is safe. the shop i always go to do my eye brows.

    • gretta h
      July 31, 2013

      Favourite place to get my eyebrows done. Was there after work yesterday getting my eyebrows done. My heart do go out to the owner and staff. I pray that the Lord provide you with another place where you can continue to give nationals your continued good service. God bless you all

    • Justice and Truth
      August 1, 2013

      What is wrong with your eyebrows? Are they too long and out of shape? :lol:

  51. Anonymous
    July 31, 2013

    Well ya papá :-|

  52. Anonymous
    July 31, 2013

    Well ya papá :-| :cry:

  53. July 31, 2013

    If the fire officails don’t work quickly everything in the line is going to catch fire. God help them

  54. justsaying
    July 31, 2013

    Its not all of Roseau that is without current…because i am currently at work and have current

  55. COUNTRY LOVER
    July 31, 2013

    PAPAMETE Roseau shot down woye

    • ebeh
      July 31, 2013

      Ebeh Country Lover you was waiting for the post

      • COUNTRY LOVER
        July 31, 2013

        yes I was just like how u like news I like it more . myob we all from D/ca we fast like that :)

    • July 31, 2013

      you saying that in joke hmmmm under that heat there

    • July 31, 2013

      hmmmmm roseau so hot already
      :!:

    • Free
      July 31, 2013

      That is not funny

    • Anonymous
      July 31, 2013

      Retard

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