FREEPORT, Grand Bahama - A major service and landscaping business was destroyed by fire Monday evening, leaving the owner Ted Russell devastated and some 50 employees out of work.
When firemen arrived at the scene shortly before 6pm, the Care Maintenance/DAPL Farms and Garden Centre on Grand Bahama Highway was fully engulfed in flames.
Russell and his family watched as his business went up in flames. The company provided several services, including landscaping, farming/gardening supplies, and janitorial service.
"I am devastated," said Mr Russell. "We don't know what happened."
When The Tribune arrived at the scene, a crowd of onlookers were gathered in the area.
Thick black smoke drifted into the evening sky and small explosions could be heard going off as the fire and heat intensified.
Supt Macktavius Daniel, officer in charge of Central Division, reported that the business had already closed for the day and no one was at the business or on the property when the fire started.
"At about 5.40pm smoke was seen emanating from the building and the fire department was alerted," he told The Tribune.
Two fire trucks responded to the scene. Firemen from the Grand Bahama Airport Company also assisted.
"When firemen arrived the building was fully engulfed with flames and the owners arrived shortly afterwards and attempted to extinguish the fire, but it appears the fire was already out of control," said Supt Daniels.
"Nobody was inside because the business closed at 4pm," Mr Russell said the business employed 50 persons.amp;view=article&id=6816:fire-destroys-farm-and-maintenance-administration-building-on-grand-bahama-highway&catid=33:News%20&%20Info%20about%20Grand%20Bahama&Itemid=146" linkindex="115">CLICK HERE TO WATCH GBTV VIDEO
