East and Church Streets in Downtown Kingston remain blocked to vehicular traffic, following a fire at the Pearnel Charles Arcade this morning. 

The blaze, which started sometime before 7:00 A.M., is now under control. 

Commissioner of the Jamaica Fire Brigade, Stewart Beckford told IRIE FM News that 41 firefighters and four units responded to the fire. 

Commissioner Beckford said investigations will be conducted soon to determine the cause of the blaze. 

Meanwhile, one vendor who said she was in the arcade when the fire started told reporters that she was grateful that her life and the lives of others were spared. 

She also expressed gratitude to those who helped vendors to retrieve goods from stalls. 

The vendor is appealing for swift action from citizens and the government in helping to replace lost items. 

Meanwhile, Kingston Mayor Andrew Swaby says he will convene a meeting with vendors of the arcade tomorrow to determine how they will be assisted following this morning’s fire. 

Mayor Swaby explained that while the building is insured, there is no insurance on the vendors’ goods. 

It is unclear how many vendors have been impacted by the blaze, which gutted a section of the arcade. 

The Mayor noted, however, that support will be arranged as he understands that the tragedy occurred just before the busy Christmas period. 

He is hoping that the Jamaica Fire Brigade will be able to provide a report on the incident soon so informed decisions can be made.