A residential home on the eastern end of the Virgin Islands main island of Tortola, was gutted by fire last night 11 June. As of press time, no injuries have been confirmed. 

Eyewitnesses on the scene confirm that emergency services were called, however a fire truck had to be dispatched from the Road Town station. Information received by our newsroom has indicated that the fire truck from the East End service station is not working, and therefore one had to be dispatched from Road Town adding to the time the fire would have stayed ablaze putting other homes and lives in danger. One house adjacent to the gutted house has been scorched and received smoke damage. 

Just earlier that same day, a video emerged showing concrete debris falling from the roof of the Road Town Fire Station. An issue we understand has been complained about since 2017 but no move to fix the area which we understand now must be demolished. We understand that the Fire Department is desperately underfunded and morale is at an all time low. 

During a press conference held on June 1 when the Premier announced a $250,000 free celebratory concert, he made it clear that the Territory was not ‘broke’.