Between 20 and 30 structures in the Haitian shantytown of The Mud in Marsh Harbour, Abaco, were destroyed by fire late yesterday and scores of people were left homeless, authorities said.
It is the third major fire in the community in recent years.
Acting Prime Minister Brent Symonette was monitoring the situation last night.
Symonette and the police confirmed that there was no loss of life.
Police Superintendent Stephen Dean told The Nassau Guardian the fire started around 4 p.m. and authorities had no idea what the cause of the blaze was.
In addition to the shacks that were destroyed, Dean said some vehicles were also burnt.
He said officials did not yet know the exact number of people affected by the fire.
The Mud and nearby Pigeon Pea are two of the largest shantytowns in the country.
They have long been a concern for Abaco residents, as well as residents on other Bahamian islands.
Director of Immigration Jack Thompson recently told The Guardian that there was a multi-agency group that was seriously looking into the problem of shantytowns in the country.
