The fire at Kimmie's Bar on Newtown Barracks 10 days ago was a case of arson. The Fire Department has finished its investigation and concluded that it was - using their terms - an "incendiary fire" - meaning "a person or persons lit the fire knowing that they should not have (done so)" - sounds convoluted, but that's the Fire Department's technical definition. The term "arson" is one used by police because it is a criminal offence. Fire Chief Ted Smith had only just received the written report today - and has told the media he will grant an interview about it on Monday when he has fully reviwed it.
It was one of the worst fires in years - not so much because of the considerable loss of property - but because a 21 year old mother of three perished in the blaze. Jacqueline Arteaga lived in an apartment above Kimmie's Bar and perished in the early morning fire.
It started at around 4:15am, and the Fire Department arrived at about a quarter to five. But by then the fire was already in free-burn stage and could not be contained. Fuelled by a strong breeze off the sea, it destroyed three buildings and damaged another. It caused physical damages estimated in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. At least two of the buildings were not insured.
It took about two hours to get the blaze under control.
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The fire at Kimmie's Bar on Newtown Barracks 10 days ago was a case of arson. The Fire Department has finished its investigation and concluded that it was - using their terms - an "incendiary fire" - meaning "a person or persons lit the fire knowing that they should not have (done so)" - sounds convoluted, but that's the Fire Department's technical definition. The term "arson" is one used by police because it is a criminal offence. Fire Chief Ted Smith had only just received the written report today - and has told the media he will grant an interview about it on Monday when he has fully reviwed it.