Fire of unknown origin gutted a business facility on Hope Road, St Andrew, last night.

Witnesses said the fire began at about 6:45 p.m. but its origin was still a mystery up to press time.

When THE STAR arrived on the scene, thick black smoke, which could be seen from several metres away, was elevating through the night sky.

Neighbours in the Trafalgar Park community said they were frightened at the sounds of loud explosions which they heard before the fire was seen. "The property was occupied by three men," said a neighbour.

Police cordoned off the street and motorists were not allowed near the perimeter. Lady Musgrave and Ardenne roads were blocked by the cops.

Three fire trucks and about 20 firefighters tried assiduously to put out the blaze, which was brought under control after more than an hour. "The Trench Town fire department was the first on the scene, we then got assistance from Rollington Town and York Park ... Half-Way Tree was attending to another call," one fireman revealed.

The property, owned by well-known Kingston-based attorney, Charles Williams, was not insured.

"The property has been occupied by squatters that I have tried my best over the past six months to get rid of," Williams said.

- A.W.