A fight between women is said to be the reason behind a fire which destroyed a section of an apartment in Union Estate, Twickenham Park, St Catherine, on Saturday.

The Central Village police told THE STAR that initial investigations have indicated that the fire may have been started by a St Andrew woman, who they are now seeking.

It was revealed that the apartment was lit after a heated argument between the suspect and a female companion.

It was further revealed that the fire was reportedly set by the suspect after she had a dispute with one of the females.

It is understood that both women got into a physical confrontation with a knife being drawn. They were separated and placed in separate rooms.

It is said that this was when the suspect reportedly set fire to a piece of furniture. The fire quickly spread. It was the searing heat that caused others to know the place was on fire. An alarm was raised, resulting in the police and fire department being alerted.

The suspect along with the other females escaped from the burning apartment unhurt.

hell bruck lose

When the fire scene was visited persons expressed anger about the situation. "Yes, three women live together and an argument start when a next one come visit one. When the other find out, all hell bruck lose, knife drawn and fire set to di apartment," a bystander told THE STAR.

Police sources confirmed that initial investigation revealed that jealousy was a motive in the arson attack.

The dwelling, which is situated on the top floor, was totally gutted by the blaze. The damage is estimated at $8.8 million, it is not known if the building was insured. A unit from the Spanish Town Fire Brigade extinguished the blaze.

- R.T.