A two-story storage building filled with wood and outdated items went up in flames just before 20:00hrs on Tuesday at 27 Shopping Lane, West Ruimveldt.

No one lives in the building but the caretaker suspects arson.

Stephen Clarke, a 60-year-old is the relative of the owner of the abandoned building, who lives overseas. He believes that it was gutted by arsonists who wanted the land to sell after he refused them on different occasions. Firefighters responded swiftly to the scene from the West Ruimveldt Fire Station just nearby and were able to prevent the spread to other buildings. For years the Clarke has stored furniture and wood in the building with the intention of using it for wood craft purposes should the opportunity arises at a furniture factory opposite the building. He has lived in a building opposite since 1972.

He said that the house has no electricity or water, which solidifies his belief that the fire was arson. Clarke stated that late last year and earlier this year persons had come to the location claimed that they are the new owners of the land. “If I saw the people I would know them but I don’t know them by name,” he said. “They wanted that land and the next land which is Ptolemy Reid’s niece’s own. They said both are sold but when they checked up at the Town Council they saw that the rates and taxes are being paid up to date so they changed their tactic.”

He said that on previous occasions he had seen the said visitors at the location and he made himself visible and they left. He heard of the fire after he had left home to buy food. Clarke said that he has told the same to the Fire Service and has been asked to provide a statement to the police. He said that he will follow up with the necessary authorities and hopes justice will be served.