Some 28 shops were destroyed or damaged by a fire that gutted the Lucea market in Hanover early this morning.

The blaze began shortly after 3 AM.

Commissioner of the Fire Brigade, Stewart Beckford told IRIE FM News that units from the Lucea, Montego Bay and Negril fire stations were dispatched to the scene. He said water issues were encountered while battling the blaze.

The Commissioner noted that a firefighter received electrical shocks and was taken to hospital.

The cause of the fire has not been ascertained.

Meanwhile, Member of Parliament for western Hanover, Tamika Davis visited the Lucea market and said assistance will be offered to the affected vendors.

She said the devastation was great as affected vendors lost all their goods.

She said once a report is received from the fire brigade, assistance will be given.