The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

A COMMERCIAL building in downtown Freeport suffered an estimated $75,000 in damage after a fire on Monday affected two businesses.

The building on West Mall Drive, which houses a shipping company and a car rental business, was extensively damaged by fire and smoke. 

Assistant Superintendent of Police Stephen Rolle said an electrical issue caused the fire.

Romal Russell, owner of Fast Forward Shipping, told The Tribune that the fire broke out after he had left and secured the premises around 5.30pm. 

At about 6.50pm, he received a call informing him that smoke was coming from the building.

He said the fire department responded quickly and contained the blaze.

Although the fire caused significant damage to the building, Mr Russell said no one was injured, and none of the rental cars were damaged. 

He added that fire officials are still investigating the cause but do not suspect arson.

“No one was in the building, and the gates were locked,” he said. “We don’t expect arson, and that’s my personal belief because the building was secured. We left shortly after 5.30pm and secured the building, and an hour later we got a call about a fire.”

Mr Russell expressed gratitude for the fire department’s quick response. “I was just around the corner and got here five minutes after I got the call, and they were already on the scene and had contained the fire,” he said.

Darren Cooper, owner of D’s Car Rental, which also operates from the building, could not be reached for comment up to press time.