A clothes vendor at the Hyde's mini market is asking for help after her stall and all her belongings were destroyed by fire. It started on Saturday afternoon - right after the busiest time at the adjacent Michael Finnegan market. As amateur video shows, the fire started right at the edge of the street:
Courtney Weatherburne reporting
In a matter of minutes, this small market stall was gutted by flames. Helpless passersby just looked on. The tenant, Pearl Usher was standing nearby as all her clothes turned to brittle blackened rubble.
Pearl Usher, Clothes Vendor
"One of my friends tell me Pauline your place is on fire, but then I didn't believe because she lies to run joke. So I came and check and see the place was on fire for true."
Courtney Weatherburne, reporter
"So you were right across the street?"
Pearl Usher, Clothes Vendor
"Everything was lost."
The authorities as well as Usher are still trying to figure out what caused the fire.
ASP Alejandro Como, OC - CIB
"The entire structure was destroyed by fire and the water damage caused by the fire department. Up to now the cause of fire has not been ascertain."
Courtney Weatherburne, reporter
"You are not sure what had caused the fire?"
Pearl Usher, Clothes Vendor
"We don't have any electricity in this place and we don't have any stove, nothing in here - just clothes."
Courtney Weatherburne, reporter
"The people who were selling for you, they don't have any idea what started the fire?"
Pearl Usher, Clothes Vendor
"They just saw the flames coming out from the top and then when they opened the door there was flames."
Usher says she lost about $600 worth of clothes but it goes beyond just the monetary value, these clothes were all Usher had to make a living for her child.
Pearl Usher, Clothes Vendor
"I have a special need child and so I don't want to get a job, this is what I do to take care of him."
If you would like to assist with clothing that Usher could sell or building material to repair the stall, you can call 607-4082.
Email
Print