Fire Destroys Former Children’s Home in Cayo

A fire early this morning destroyed a building on the Ontario Christian School’s compound in the Cayo District, which resulted in the cancellation of school for the day. The fire reportedly began around 4 a.m. and consumed the former Mulhollen Children’s Home. This structure had been unused for the past three years and stood less than a hundred feet from the school. 

No injuries were reported, and no other buildings were damaged.

A local resident, Vilma Ramirez, said she is still in shock over the incident, saying, “I can’t believe it. Because that place deh from 1957. Very old place, so we couldn’t expect that bun up.” Teachers at Ontario Primary School reported smoke and soot in their classrooms, though the fire was contained without further damage.

Residents are grateful that the school was unaffected and are expecting classes to resume soon. Fire officials are still investigating the cause of the fire, according to Kenneth Mortis of the National Fire Service.