Seven treated for smoke inhalation after fire destroys sections of Jamalco plant

Bauxite company Jamalco says its refinery in Halse Hall, Clarendon has been extensively damaged after a major fire broke out at the plant's powerhouse on Sunday.

Reports are that the fire began approximately 3 p.m.

Four units from the Jamaica Fire Brigade supported Jamalco's Fire Department to extinguish the blaze and to assist with the cooling down operations.

The company reports that no one was seriously injured in the incident, however seven employees who suffered from smoke inhalation were treated at Jamalco's medical facility.

According to Jamalco, based on an initial assessment, significant damage has been done to the powerhouse.

The powerhouse produces power, compressed air and steam for the refining operations.

Jamalco says a full assessment of the damage will be done in coming days to determine the cause of the fire and estimate the full extent of the damage.

Jamalco mines bauxite and refines it into alumina which is exported from its Rocky Point Port.

Jamalco is a joint venture between General Alumina Jamaica Limited (a member of the Noble Group) and Clarendon Alumina Production Limited, a Jamaican Government owned company.

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