Fire leaves 17 homeless

Police are investigating the cause of a house fire, which occurred about 12:30 this morning at a wood and wall,  two storey residence at Phillips Road, St Stephen’s Hill, Black Rock, St Michael.

Police say the house had several self-contained living quarters.

It housed 17 family members — 11 adults and six children ages one to 15 years.

The main structure has been totally destroyed and the rest suffered water damage.

Three fire tenders and 12 personnel responded and extinguished the fire.

The property was reported to be insured.