Scene of a fully engulfed structure fire in the Profit area of St. Croix on April 10, where one person was injured while attempting to escape. Photo Credit: V.I. FIRE AND EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES.
ST. CROIX — An early morning blaze destroyed an abandoned structure in the Estate Profit area on Thursday, prompting a rapid response from V.I. Fire and Emergency Medical Services. According to VIFEMS, the fire was reported at approximately 4:52 a.m. following multiple 911 calls from residents who saw flames coming from the site.
Fire crews from M Company were the first to arrive and encountered the building fully engulfed in flames. Recognizing the scale of the fire, M Company immediately requested backup from C Company and F Company. Firefighters worked diligently to contain and suppress the blaze, ultimately bringing it under control within an hour and a half.
Although the building was confirmed to be abandoned, emergency crews discovered one individual trapped against a nearby fence during their response. According to VIFEMS, the person appeared to have been squatting in or near the structure. The individual suffered minor injuries while attempting to flee the scene and was transported to the hospital for treatment.
The fire resulted in complete destruction of the structure, but fire personnel confirmed that no other buildings were affected. Road closures were implemented during the operation, with assistance from the V.I. Police Department. Those closures have since been lifted, and the scene has been cleared. However, officials have cautioned that the destroyed building remains unsafe and is not open to the public
The cause of the fire is still under investigation, and VIFEMS has not released further details pending the outcome of that inquiry.
In a statement issued Thursday, VIFEMS reiterated its commitment to public safety and emergency response, reminding residents to prioritize fire safety in their homes and ensure that evacuation plans are in place. “The Virgin Islands Fire and Emergency Medical Services remain steadfast in our dedication to fire prevention, emergency response, and ensuring community safety,” the statement read.
