A raging fire and heavy smoke left the Ministry of Education completely out of a store warehouse.

In a communication to members of the House of Assembly   yesterday morning, Education Minister, Jeffrey Lloyd, noted that initially three units were dispatched to the scene around 11:25pm.

This was followed up by another unit from the airport.

However, visibility proved a serious problem coupled with gaining access.

Lock cutters and the jaws of life had to be used.

“Upon entry, a large number of paper material, including files, cleaning, office and toilet supplies, were engulfed in flames,” Minister Lloyd said.

“Because of the set-up of the warehouse and the chain link fencing of its interior, it proved difficult to extinguish the multiple seats of fire,” he added. 

“Shortly before 5am this morning, myself and many other persons, senior personnel from the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Youth Sports and Culture, came to assist in the extinguishing of that fire.”

However, up to 9:30 yesterday morning, the fire raged on.

“It was determined by the senior officer, Officer Knowles, on the scene that the building and its contents were completely destroyed.”

The late night call came several hours after firefighters wrestled a massive blaze at the John Chea Foodstore, Carmichael Road location.

According to Fire Director, Chief Superintendent Walter Evans, in that case, two ladies were taken to hospital presumably for smoke inhalation.