A fire that started on the third floor of the V.I. Water and Power Authority building in Sub Base late Sunday night has left the entire building without power Monday. WAPA spokeswoman Cassandra Dunn said the cause of the fire was unknown, but arson was not indicated. “The investigation is ongoing,” she said.
The fire affected the budget and audit office on the third floor, and Dunn said she suspected that the second floor offices experienced water damage.
The fire started about 11:30 p.m. Sunday and was out by 1:30 a.m. Monday, she said, adding that authority personnel left the building around 2:30 a.m.
** Update**
St. Thomas employees originally scheduled to report at noon today are instead directed to report tomorrow at 1 p.m. to the tennis court adjacent to the business office building as access has not yet been granted to the offices by the V.I. Fire Service. Meter readers should stay in contact with their supervisor about tomorrow’s work schedule.
Until cashier windows reopen, customers are reminded that payments can be made at most St. Thomas banks and by mail. Online payments will resume once power is restored to the business office and the computer systems are back in service. In order to facilitate payments by customers with overdue bills, First Bank St. Thomas will accept customer payments accompanied by the late notice (pink slip) until March 16th; Banco Popular-St. Thomas will accept payments with the late notice slip until further notice.
Because the computer systems are down, St. Croix customers are requested to bring their statements with them to pay at the Sunny Isle business office. The coupon will be manually stamped as proof of payment.
Customers are asked to check back on the Source for updates, listen to local radio stations, or call 340-774-3552 and press no. 6 for further information.
