Monday morning a serious fire occurred in Petion-ville, the Civil Protection informed that "the fire broke out at the corner of streets and Lamarre and Vilatte just before 9:00 a.m. Two buildings were destroyed and a small market of construction materials has been ravaged by fire."

Damages are considerable, the fire had spread rapidly mainly because of the nature of goods (paints and flammable products) that were in the warehouses of the market, despite the intervention of the firemen, whose trucks were not in optimum operating condition... the water was insufficient and private water trucks had to intervene as reinforcements to isolate the sinister.

The origin of the fire is unknown for now, but it could be related to a short circuit, indicated Castel Moïse, the Director of Civil Protection of the municipality of Petion-ville.

Among the buildings destroyed was the hotel restaurant the Cubano, renamed The Perroquet in 2012, patrimony of 70s, one of the oldest hotels in Petionville, where he remains today only smoldering ruins after this fire that caused the disappearance in less than 30 minutes of an institution older than 30 years. This 12-room, held regular concerts and parties for the promotion of traditional Haitian culture, it was part of the nightlife of Petion-ville. No injuries is to deplore among the ten people who were present in the building when the fire broke out.

Bianca Stecker, the owner's daughter pointed out "It's been years that we complains about the uncontrolled building next to the hotel: we have seen the danger coming but could do nothing."

The Minister of Justice and Public Security of Haiti, Me Camille Junior Edouard went to the site a few hours after the fire. After his visit, the Minister who sympathize with all the victims of this tragedy, reiterated his commitment to strengthening the response capacity of the National Police of Haiti in this situation. "The fire brigade should be well equipped reminded the Minister of Justice," appalled by the tragedy, welcoming the efforts of youth of Petion-ville that helped firefighters contain the blaze.

Jerry Tardieu, the Deputy of Petion-ville who also visited the site lamented the lack of urban planning and the absence of a fire brigade service in the city. A situation he says will help remedy.

SL/ HaitiLibre