作者： admin

A devastating nighttime blaze has inflicted severe damage upon multiple commercial establishments in central Roseau, Dominica, following a significant structural fire that erupted late Sunday evening. According to official reports from the Dominica Fire and Ambulance Services, emergency responders were alerted to the incident at approximately 11:55 PM on March 1, 2026, near the critical junction of Old Street and King George V Street in close proximity to the historic Old Market Square.

Initial firefighting operations encountered immediate hazards as energized electrical lines had collapsed across the area, creating dangerous conditions for both responders and potential evacuation efforts. The national power utility DOMLEC executed an emergency power shutdown to enable safe fire suppression activities. What began as a nine-officer initial response rapidly escalated into a major incident requiring reinforcement from neighboring fire stations at Grand Bay and St. Joseph, ultimately mobilizing thirty fire personnel including off-duty staff who joined the containment effort.

The comprehensive damage assessment reveals extensive impacts on local commerce and property. Seven structures sustained major damage while three additional buildings experienced secondary effects. Among the most severely affected businesses were Jolly’s Pharmacy, which suffered both fire and water damage throughout its commercial spaces and adjacent gym facility; Craving Restaurant, which was completely destroyed; and the Z-One retail store, which suffered total destruction. Multiple other enterprises including Oasis of Elegance, Conroy Allen’s craft shop, and the Ruins Bar establishment sustained either complete destruction or significant structural compromise.

Structural impacts varied from complete roof collapses to extensive siding damage, with one commercial vehicle belonging to a business owner also consumed by the flames. The investigation into the fire’s origin is now underway through a collaborative effort between fire authorities and the Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force. The fire service has publicly expressed sympathy for affected business owners and residents while commending the coordinated response of emergency personnel, volunteers, and community members who assisted during the crisis.

ROSEAU, DOMINICA – The United Workers Party (UWP), the nation’s primary opposition party, has issued a formal statement expressing profound solidarity with the victims of a catastrophic fire that tore through Roseau on March 2nd. The conflagration resulted in extensive damage to multiple commercial establishments, severely impacting local livelihoods and the economic fabric of the community.

In the wake of the disaster, UWP Political Leader Dr. Thomson Fontaine conveyed his deep personal condolences. “My heart goes out to all those who would have lost their jobs and to the property and business owners who have suffered such great loss,” Dr. Fontaine stated, highlighting the human and economic toll of the incident. The party’s communiqué underscored its grave concern over the significant financial and operational setbacks faced by affected enterprises.

Amidst the expressions of sympathy, the United Workers Party also delivered commendations for the heroic efforts of emergency personnel. The party explicitly praised the rapid and effective response of the Dominica Fire and Ambulance Services, whose swift action was instrumental in containing the blaze and preventing its spread to adjacent properties, thereby averting even greater catastrophe. The statement acknowledged the critical role these first responders play in public safety and crisis management.