Abandoned Building Goes Up in Flames Overnight

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NASSAU , BAHAMAS – An abandoned building on East Street North was still burning well after midnight, as firefighters worked to bring the blaze under control.

The property, located opposite Police Headquarters, is surrounded by businesses and other buildings.

Alex Knowles, whose family has operated ADKA Laboratories and Consultants for more than 20 years, rushed to the area after being alerted to the fire.

He says his biggest concern was whether the flames could reach his business and the potentially hazardous materials inside.

Alex Knowles – Business Owner, ADKA Laboratories and Consultants

“Around 12:30 I got a call, so I pulled up here maybe between 12:40 and 1 o’clock. I see the fire trucks were already here. It was maybe three, the police stations and everything was out here. They had the water. The fire was pretty much high, but I was very curious because this is an environmental lab. I didn’t want anything to catch fire because, you know, chemicals and stuff like that could be high explosion. But they handled it very well.”

But as the flames died down, questions remained about what caused the fire and whether anyone had been inside the abandoned structure.

Alex Knowles – Business Owner, ADKA Laboratories and Consultants
“Well, what I know so far, I know it was an abandoned building. I’m not too sure, but I heard rumours about people living in it. I’m not too sure, I can’t confirm that, but they say that it’s an old building, so they had no power. So I don’t know what caused the fire, to be honest. So they say investigation guys supposed to come in today. I don’t know when, but when they get that info, they’ll let us know.”

The cause of the fire had not been confirmed at the time of this report by police.

And while firefighters were able to contain the blaze, the incident again put a spotlight on the island’s fire response capacity.

In April 2025, a massive fire destroyed the former Solomon’s Old Trail and Cost Right on East West Highway, with firefighters facing challenges including limited trucks and failing hydrants as flames tore through the structure.

During the budget debate in May, Finance Minister Michael Halkitis outlined government’s plans to strengthen the fire service with new trucks.

Michael Halkitis – Minister, Finance

“Improving the efficiency of the justice system, reducing transport requirements, and accelerating case processing, the acquisition for 20 fire trucks for the Fire Department and 20 fire trucks for the Airport Authority to strengthen capacity, to strengthen capacity and responsiveness in protecting lives and property.”