House fire doesn’t extinguish community spirit

Residents of Watson Avenue in Swallowfield, St Andrew, are counting their blessings following a fire that destroyed a section of a house about 6 p.m. on Saturday.

But instead of tears and turmoil, what stood out was the spirit of unity among neighbours who dashed with buckets, hoses and effort, to help contain the blaze. Clifton Campbell, the 74-year-old caretaker of the property where the fire started, said while the loss is disappointing, he is grounded by faith and community.

"This is where the fire started and spread to the house in front," Campbell told THE STAR gesturing toward the charred room around the corner where he lived. "I didn't manage to save anything. Yuh see when these things strike, it becomes so sudden. We were more intent on outing it, and then when it got outta control, they had to call me outta the fire."

Campbell, who has lived in the area on and off for decades, said he returned two years ago, driven by his calling.

"I came back to live here because my ministry, my work for the Lord, is centred 'round here. For 45 years, every Sunday, I go to the Sunday School up top in Swallowfield, and then to Bustamante Children's Hospital," he said. Despite losing personal belongings, Campbell's spirit remains intact.

"It's a disappointment, but not a heartbreak," he explained. "Life doesn't depend on here. My living doesn't depend on here. I chose to come back down from Norbrook to maintain my humility and lowliness for Christ."

The house at the front of the property, though touched by heat, was mostly spared, and Campbell noted that the tenants, some who have lived there for more than 30 years, were also holding up well.

"It's four men affected by it. Each can hold his own. They're all working people and the camaraderie is very good. Everybody take it with a smile. It coulda been worse." He added that the members of the fire brigade were relentless in trying to out the blaze.

"They came and they really worked. I must compliment them again. And the community? Oh gosh. If it wasn't for the neighbours, the whole place woulda gone. The man up the road give us a whole tank of water, and everybody was up there throwing water. The community spirit was in full force," said Campbell.

One of the most memorable sights for Campbell was the active involvement of the area's member of parliament (MP), Julian Robinson.

"The MP, oh Lord. He was out here helping the firemen even instructing others. He was something else. You won't see no placards out here, no 'fire burn me out drama,'" he said.

Still grieving the passing of his 103-year-old mother, buried just three weeks ago in Florida, Campbell said he was grateful to be back home in time to witness how his neighbours came together.

"I just came back from the funeral about eight days ago. I'm glad I came back in time to witness this. The whole community effort, it goes beyond record. They didn't just come and look, everybody was doing something."

Campbell suspects a gas leak may be to blame for the fire. But he is more focused on the recovery of his tenants and to restore his home.