A FAMILY of six is appealing for assistance from the public to get back on their feet after a fire destroyed their two-storey home and all their belongings on Sunday.The blaze consumed the wooden-and-concrete structure on Lucky Street Extension, in La Romaine, within minutes, despite frantic efforts by neighbours to help save the home.“We lost everything. We lost our home and we have lived here for years,” said Aaliyah Small, a resident who occupied the ground floor with her mother, Alisha Mohammed. “We are pleading for assistance. There were three kids living here. They have no clothes, no books for school, nothing. If there are any food items or any way anyone can assist us, please do. We are crying for help.”
BURNT OUT: Twenty-five-year old fire victim Aaliyah Smalls carries a bicycle she recovered from the burnt rubble at Lucky Street, La Romaine, where fire destroyed her family’s home, right, on Sunday. —Photos: DEXTER PHILIP
Mohammed’s sister, Derecia Christopher, 35, her three children, and her fiancé occupied the upper floor. Christopher, her children and fiancé secured the upper floor and left the premises around 7.30 a.m.About two hours later, Mohammed and her daughter were at home when they heard a noise in the upstairs apartment, and upon checking, saw that it was on fire. Christopher was contacted and returned to find the upper floor destroyed by the flames.Neighbours rushed to assist when they saw smoke and flames coming from the house, but the blaze spread rapidly through the wood-and-concrete structure.When the Express visited the scene yesterday, Small said, “I ran outside when I saw smoke at the top of the house, the roof was engulfed in flames. Everything started to collapse inside the house. The neighbours came across and tried to help us. They even wet the dogs. We tried to move the car, but we couldn’t.”Preliminary information suggests the fire may have been caused by an electrical fault, although investigations are ongoing.Local Government Councillor Raven Ramsawak visited the family after the fire and distributed emergency supplies, including food and other necessities, and ensured that they had shelter.Ramsawak told the Express, “Thankfully, no one was hurt nor did anyone lose a loved one. Those who were home escaped without injury. Those in the upper floor were not at home, and we’re grateful for that as the fire started near the electrical wires, which quickly spread onto the roof that became engulfed in the flames.”Ramsawak also posted a plea for assistance for the families on his Facebook page.The list included food (cooked and uncooked), groceries, water, clothing, basic medication, sanitary napkins, clothing for the adults and children (two aged five years old, and another aged ten).Anyone willing to help can contact Ramsawak’s office at 320-0325, or Small at 731-7259, and Christopher at 334-5582.
