Nearby Businesses on Edge After East West Highway Blaze

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – More than 12 hours after a fire tore through both Solomon’s and Cost Right buildings, thick smoke was still smoldering from what was left of the structure.

Our News visited nearby businesses about the impact.

Bahamas Agricultural and Industrial Corporation is located just behind the building where the fire broke out.

BAIC Chairman Daron Pickstock telling Our News that at the peak of the fire, all employees were evacuated and sent home as a safety precaution.

Daron Pickstock – Chairman of BAIC

“ The employees were all evacuated and sent home, so it impacted our operations yesterday because obviously that was in the height of the fire and so they all, went home.”

As for Tuesday, the BAIC chairman says they’re back to being fully operational.

But he says during their assessment of the grounds they noticed some minor damage.

Just a few lots away, Easy Car Sales also felt the heat.

Director Pia Farmer says her team acted quickly to protect inventory and employees as the flames spread nearby.

Farmer, who owns two locations one on East West Highway and the other Gladstone Road, says yesterday’s fire was a little bit too familiar.

Pia Farmer – Director of Easy Car Sales

“Only a few weeks ago we had a fire just two lots away of derelict cars exploding, and now we have this fire, so you know, we are a little on edge”

And while the aftermath of the fire left some ashes behind, Farmer says there’s hope for renewal in the area and she’s ready to help her business neighbors rebuild.

Pia Farmer – Director of Easy Car Sales

“ We are very sorry for our neighbors. We will reconstruct and help them reify and bring that area back for all the businesses involved.”