KINGSTON, Jamaica — A significant fire emergency unfolded in downtown Kingston on Sunday morning as a substantial blaze engulfed Ammar’s two-story department store on King Street. The Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) initiated a large-scale response after receiving an emergency alert at 10:13 am.
Acting Superintendent Courtney Thompson of the JFB reported that the initial unit dispatched from the York Park Fire Station encountered dense smoke billowing from the structure upon arrival, prompting an immediate request for reinforced support. Firefighting teams from multiple stations, including Half-Way Tree, Rollington Town, and Trench Town, were rapidly deployed to assist the York Park units in containing the inferno.
Superintendent Thompson highlighted the operational difficulties faced by crews, citing severely limited visibility and hazardous conditions caused by accumulated smoke and toxic gases within the building, which obstructed entry efforts. While the fire’s intensity posed considerable challenges, authorities confirmed that adjacent structures remained unaffected and secure, mitigating potential collateral damage.
The financial impact of the incident remains undetermined as official damage assessments have not yet been conducted. Thompson indicated that a specialized team of investigators is scheduled to arrive on-site to evaluate the extent of the destruction and identify any associated risks or contributing factors. The investigation will aim to determine the fire’s origin and assess the full scope of the losses incurred.