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Fire at May Pen Cemetery

Published:Wednesday | March 12, 2025 | 6:21 PM
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Smoke seen coming from a fire at the May Pen Cemetery in Kingston on March 12.
Contributed Photo
Smoke seen coming from a fire at the May Pen Cemetery in Kingston on March 12.
Damage caused by a fire at the May Pen Cemetery in Kingston on March 12.
Contributed Photo
Damage caused by a fire at the May Pen Cemetery in Kingston on March 12.
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A fire broke out in a section of the May Pen Cemetery in west Kingston on Wednesday.

However, no injuries were reported, and the blaze was confined to a "very small" area, according to Robert Hill, chief executive officer of the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation.

"The fire seems to be in the centre of the front part of the cemetery, and it is not endangering any lives or property at this time," Hill told journalists, adding that he was on hand to assess the situation.

A unit from the Trench Town Fire Station—located across from the cemetery—responded to the fire.

"They have left to return," Hill said, referring to the team of firefighters.

John Cornwall, superintendent of cemeteries in Kingston and St Andrew, said the cause of the fire was unclear.

"You have persons living here who are of unsound mind, and you have persons passing through the cemetery who may be smoking and drop their cigarettes that could have caused the fire," he suggested.

- Livern Barrett

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