Videos & Photos: Fire At Palmetto Road House

April 13, 2014

[Updating: Residents managed to escape unharmed after a Palmetto Road home caught fire after what sounded like an explosion at around 2.40am today. Residents of nearby properties were evacuated following the discovery of gas tanks adjacent to where the fire was located. 20 firefighters extinguished the blaze, and the property sustained serious damage including a roof collapse.]

At sometime around 2.45am this morning [Apr 13] a fire broke out at a residence in the Border Lane and Palmetto Road area, sending flames and smoke leaping into the night sky. The Bermuda Fire & Rescue Service responded, and as of this writing are working to bring the fire under control.

Update 3.30am: The fire seems to be getting brought under control now, with flames no longer visible.

Slideshow with 15 photos from the fire scene:

Update 3.52am: Police Media Manager Dwayne Caines said, “First responders attended a report of a partial house collapse and fire that took place at a dwelling on Border Lane and Palmetto Road in Pembroke at 2:40am.

“It appears that the occupants of the home were awoken to the sounds of what they are describing as a loud explosion.

“All of the residents [three apartment residence] managed to escape serious harm before a portion of the structure was engulfed in flames‎.

Raw footage of the fire:

“The Bermuda Fire Service responded with two appliances and 14 fire personnel and an investigation into the cause of the fire is underway,” Mr. Caines added.

“Inspector Andy Morgan would like to thank the ‎neighbors in the area for their cooperation at the scene and he would like to further advise the public that Palmetto Road will be closed from Roberts Avenue to Bishop Spencer Road until daylight.”

Update 5.26am: The video below contains statements from Bermuda Fire & Rescue Service’s Dana Lovell and Bermuda Police Service Inspector Andy Morgan.

Inspector Morgan expressed his thanks to the area residents, saying they “responded very promptly to our calls for an immediate evacuation which was necessary due to the discovery of gas tanks adjacent to where the fire was located.”

Mr. Lovell said there were no reported injuries, and that it is too early at this time to determine the cause of the fire. Firefighters from all three stations [Hamilton, Clearwater, Port Royal] attended the scene.

Statements from Mr. Lovell and Mr. Morgan:

Update 12pm: A photo showing the damage, in clear daylight is below.

Fire morning

Update 12.14pm: MP Michael Weeks, who represents the area, traveled to the property to extend his support to the family who live there. He said he was told one person was at the hospital. Audio of his comments are below.

Update 1.28pm: Fire Service spokesperson Lieutenant Leonard Davis said, “The Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service responded with 9 fire appliances staffed with 20 firefighters.

“The Fire Service took approximately 10 minutes to arrive on scene. Upon their arrival they found a 2 story dwelling fully involved in fire with a large section of the roof, approximately 20’ x 10’, collapsed.”

Lieutenant Colin Swan of the Operations Division said, “On our arrival we could see smoke and flames bellowing through the roof. Firefighters dressed in self-contained breathing apparatus and equipped with two 1 ½” hose lines immediately gained entry into the premises.

“The fire took approximately 45 minutes to bring under control. Once the fire was extinguished, overhauling operations commenced.”

Fire investigators were called to the scene to investigate the cause of the fire. The fire is currently under investigation.

Update 6.53pm: Police Media Manager Dwayne Caines said, “The Palmetto Road was opened to vehicular traffic in the early hours of this morning and the Bermuda Fire Service have released the scene.

“They will reassess the damage with a structural engineer on Monday to determine if the structure is safe for the occupants to return.

“There were 4 people in the housing complex all escaped without injury except a 54 year old woman who received relatively minor first degree burns to her arms and face prior to exiting the home.”

Read More About

Category: Accidents and fires, Accidents/Fires, All, News, Photos, Videos

Comments (16)

Trackback URL | Comments RSS Feed

  1. nuffin but the truth says:

    Thankfully all persons got out safely….reading about an explosion makes one think of a Gas problem,hopefully the cause will be found

    How on earth did Bernews get there so quickly…(nothing disrespectful intended).

    • J Starling says:

      I think the key to that is insomnia… ;-)

      Seriously though, glad everyone seems to be okay, though no doubt in a touch of shock.

    • RU Kidding says:

      Why the eff does it matter how fast Bernews got there?

      The cover the news – and we’re always grateful!

      • Jack Taylor says:

        Relax! They were just making an observation. I’ve often wondered the same thing myself!

      • nuffin but the truth says:

        RU Kidding needs to stay off the kool aid!

  2. Bernews always gets there quick buh!!!

  3. Peace on Earth says:

    Glad to hear everyone is okay. Good job Bermuda Fire Service.

  4. Sad, sad n very disturbing but yet “thank God” the other cylinders didn’t blow sky high…
    As for Bernews, l must commend then as they always seem to be spot on with their reporting. Never and l say never have we had such instant news reporting n up to date reports such as the service rendered by Bernews.
    Surely, the other news agencies can take huge hints and accreditation from the service that is presented to the public by Bernews.
    Excellent reporting and an on time reporting.. To the family whom experienced this awful shocking explosion, my prayers are with you n may the peace of God’s surroundings rest upon each of you during this horrific time of loss. Wow what an bombastic experience. .. God has you in his hands; all of you…

  5. A Bermudian says:

    So glad that everyone got out safely and the Fire Service responded within minutes.

    Bernews, please keep us posted as I’m sure that many people will want to help. I imagine that the people who lived in these three apartments have lost literally everything as they ran for their lives with only the pajamas on their backs.

  6. Jack Taylor says:

    So sorry for these poor folks who lost their home, but glad their lives were spared. I cant imagine the thought of my home, my sanctuary from the world, catching on fire.
    Good job once again to BFS and BPS, and great updates as usual from Bernews.

  7. edwin says:

    When you are asleep Bernews is up, out and around collecting and getting news ready for when you wake up.

  8. edwin says:

    Congrats to Bernews for all their good work.

  9. wright says:

    There was one person hurt in the fire. she is in intensive care with burns to the face and hands.

  10. Terry says:

    Thanks ‘wright’.
    Hope they recover soon.
    Could have been worse.