A devastating nighttime fire has displaced six residents, including a senior citizen and a child, in the Moody Stewart Street area of San Fernando. The incident occurred on December 9 around 9 PM, completely destroying a multi-generational wooden structure that had stood for over six decades.
Henry Dick, a 74-year-old pensioner who lived alone on the upper floor, narrowly escaped the rapidly spreading flames after hearing an unusual noise moments before retiring for the evening. “I turned my light back on to see what it was. The front door was on fire, the curtain was burning—everything was engulfed,” Dick recounted while surveying the charred remains of his lifelong home.
The blaze consumed not only his dwelling but also precious family heirlooms dating back to his grandparents’ era. Despite attempts to extinguish the fire with buckets of water, the structure was completely destroyed within hours.
While official investigators from the Mon Repos Fire Station have not determined the cause, Dick suspects possible arson. “Somehow, I feel somebody threw something. If I had been asleep, I might not have made it out alive,” he expressed with evident concern.
The ground floor housed two separate tenant families: a 67-year-old woman with her adult daughter and grandchild in one unit, and two male occupants in another. All residents escaped without physical injury.
Local political representative John Michael Alibocus (UNC Shadow MP for San Fernando East) visited the scene, pledging to mobilize government resources and ministerial support for the displaced families. “During this Christmas season—a time for sharing and love—this tragedy is particularly heartbreaking,” Alibocus stated, emphasizing the urgency of coordinated relief efforts.
Community solidarity has emerged as a silver lining, with neighbors providing immediate shelter to those affected. Investigation into the fire’s origin continues as authorities pursue all possible leads. Those wishing to assist Mr. Dick may contact him directly at 750-1715.