A fire ravaged half a dozen buildings towards the eastern end of downtown Nassau on Valentine’s Day, causing an estimated $30 million in damage, leaving many jobless and damaging historic buildings that have brought charm and character to Bay Street.
Officials believe the fire broke out around 8am on the second floor of the Betty K Agency, destroying the building and sweeping through several buildings on the north side of East Bay Street.
Most businesses on that block were affected including Venue Clothing, EF Liquor Store, Botany Bash, The Bacardi Store and Green Parrot Pub.
The fire was massive with billowing smoke that could be seen from miles away. Officials called in resources from all over the island to assist – police officers, defence force officers, airport authority officials and the Lyford Cay Fire Services were all called. Trucks and employees from the Bahamas Electricity Corporation and Bahamas Telecommunications Company were also utilised.
The fire, which raged for about six hours, has been described as the most exhausting ordeal for firefighters since the burning of the Straw Market in downtown Nassau in September 2001. Firefighters said they learned several lessons from the Straw Market fire and were pumping water from the ocean to keep a steady flow.
The buildings that did not collapse under the fire will be torn down. Charles Klonaris, a businessman involved in the Downtown Nassau redevelopment project was thankful that his recently developed $14 million Elizabeth On Bay establishment was spared.
Vaughan Roberts, managing director of the Downtown Nassau Partnership suggested that perhaps the destructive fire might spur redevelopment plans to move forward.
Roberts said that although this fire is somewhat of a tragedy he hopes there is a silver lining that causes redevelopment to happen at a quicker pace.
