A structural fire in the Mangrove Bay area of Somerset this afternoon caused hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage to a two-storey building.
Emergency crews were dispatched just after 4:00 p.m. to reports of heavy smoke coming from a structure at the junction of Somerset Road and East Shore Road. According to Divisional Officer Jay Donawa, firefighters arrived on scene within seven minutes and were met with thick smoke conditions.
Fire crews entered the building, located the seat of the fire, and successfully extinguished the blaze. At this time, firefighters remain on scene conducting overhaul and salvage operations as preparations are made for a full investigation.
There has been public speculation that e-bike batteries stored at the location may have contributed to the fire. Officer Donawa acknowledged that lithium-ion battery fires have been a growing concern, particularly in North America, and confirmed that investigators will be examining that possibility. However, he emphasized it is too early to determine the cause.
Three fire appliances responded to the incident—two from Hamilton and one from Port Royal—along with nine personnel.
A fire investigator is currently on scene and will begin a preliminary examination once fire operations have concluded. Authorities are asking for the public’s patience, noting that the junction is a busy thoroughfare for traffic traveling between Hamilton and Dockyard.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
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