An elderly woman perished in a house fire, in Hopewell, Hanover, this morning (August 15).

She has been identified, as 89-year-old, Elana Nisbett, a retired Assistant Superintendent of Police.

Public Relations Officer at the Jamaica Fire Brigade, Emilio Ebanks told IRIE FM news that at about 5:15 AM, the St James Fire Department received a call about the fire and responded with two units and an ambulance.

Mr. Ebanks said loss is estimated at approximately 40 million dollars.

Meantime, the Police High Command is expressing condolences to the family of retired ASP Nisbett.

In a statement, the Jamaica Constabulary Force said ASP Nisbett gave sterling service to the people of Jamaica for over 33 years.

It added that she joined the Constabulary in November 1960, and was posted in St. Elizabeth.

She was later transferred to the St. James Division where she served up to the time of her retirement.

Investigations are ongoing into the circumstances which started the fire.