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North Abaco bush fire destroys vacant club

The site of the vacant North Abaco nightclub owned by Omar Bodie (inset) that was destroyed by bush fire.

The site of the vacant North Abaco nightclub owned by Omar Bodie (inset) that was destroyed by bush fire.

By JADE RUSSELL

Tribune Staff Reporter

jrussell@tribunemedia.net

DAYS after spending $10,000 on repairs for his vacant Abaco nightclub, Omar Bodie watched on a video call from Grand Bahama as the building burned down.

The fire, which has been burning in the Treasure Cay area for days, reportedly started last Monday near Treasure Cay International Airport. Residents had noticed smoke rising a few miles behind the airport, and volunteers were later stationed there as the flames inched closer.

No homes were affected, but Mr Bodie, 44, was lost for words when his cousin video-called him around 2pm on Saturday, showing Club Mystic engulfed in flames. The club had been closed since suffering severe damage from Hurricane Dorian in 2019.

Mr Bodie said just last week, he had purchased $10,000 worth of lumber and materials to repair the roof, hoping to eventually reopen.

“I might have to break it down and start all over again,” he sighed.

Currently unemployed, he plans to fly back to Abaco today to assess the damage and determine his next steps.

Photos and videos shared with The Tribune showed thick white smoke covering the sky, while firefighters worked to contain the blaze. Some residents reported being temporarily blinded by the heavy smoke while driving on SC Bootle Highway, while others, living miles away, said they could smell the smoke.

Another business owner, Jenson Edgecombe, who runs an Airbnb called Happy State and a car rental service in Treasure Cay, said his properties were spared. He credited using a tractor to push debris away from his fence with preventing the flames from spreading to his businesses.

Videos also showed an old, non-operational gas station affected by the fire.

Stephen Wilson, Family Island administrator for North Abaco, said bushfires are not uncommon on the island. He explained that some residents light small fires to produce coal, not realising how quickly they can spread. While the exact cause of this fire is undetermined, he said this is a likely explanation.

Mr Wilson praised volunteer firefighters for their response, noting that Abaco has two fire engines in Treasure Cay and one in Marsh Harbour that were used to battle the flames. However, he said he plans to meet with government officials soon to request a tractor, heavy-duty equipment, and additional resources to improve fire response efforts.

Comments

ThisIsOurs 14 hours, 5 minutes ago

"He explained that some residents light small fires to produce coal"

Ot seems like some authority on Abaco should be actively monitoring for small fires. Someone who cant be bribed.

Sending out drones everyday, coducting reconnaissance and arresting the persons responsible for these fires. If they are on work permits, the permit should be revoked because they will do it again. We are steadily working to achieve the 2030 deforestation objective in our strategy to be just like Haiti. And the govt is fully onboard because, somebody is making money. And once money is being made, well, we have to make compromises right?

No resident should be burning anything for coal in dry season or windy days, minimum. Isnt there a law against burning garbage in the backyard? You would assume that also applies to cutting down and burning the forest.

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