A fire which destroyed a 40-foot trailer near Frenchman’s Reef Beach Resort in Estate Bakkero late Sunday afternoon, was under investigation Monday by the Fire Department Arson and Investigation Unit.
The fire sent a tall, black cloud of smoke billowing over the Charlotte Amalie harbor, capturing the attention of many residents as flames could be seen from the waterfront.
Assistant Fire Director Daryl A. George said Monday that fire crews from Hotel Company first responded to the blaze where they found the trailer engulfed by fire. Two additional crews from Tango and Lima Company were called in.
George said the fire was brought under control within 30 minutes. "Eleven firefighters were on the scene, led by Captain Melvin Harrigan," George said. "Fighting the fire was difficult due to paint and combustible materials inside, which are very toxic. The men used foam fire retardant to extinguish the blaze."
George said the firefighters were concerned about the fire spreading due to the proximity of a hotel fuel tank situated about a hundred yards from the scene. "But they contained everything to the trailer area. Nobody was injured. There was no harm to the surrounding area," he added.
George commended the fire crews, saying more than once: "They did an excellent job.”
The trailer, he said, was located down by the beach area where the water taxis operate.
George also said he knows who owns the trailer, but he preferred not to reveal names with the investigation ongoing.
