This Christmas will be far from merry for four householders whose homes were damaged in separate fires across the island on Friday and Saturday.

Fire of unknown origin destroyed two houses at Smith Lane, Newlands, St Catherine and a two-bedroom house at Cassava Piece, St Andrew, on Saturday morning. No one was injured during the incidents.

Both fires started about 12:30 a.m.

Reports are that an occupant of a two bedroom house at Smith Lane woke up to strange sounds. She went to investigate and saw fire coming from a section of her house. The police and fire brigade were called, but when they got to the location the fire had already spread, destroying the dwelling and an adjoining one-bedroom house.

One unit from the Waterford Fire Department extinguished the blaze. Loss is estimated at $ 1.5 million. The houses were not insured.

Owner on an errand

In the second incident in Cassava Piece, the owner locked her house and went on an errand. Neighbours saw fire coming from her house and summoned the police and fire brigade. The Half-Way Tree Fire Department responded and extinguished the blaze. Damage is estimated at $700,000. The building was not insured.

Unattended candle

Meanwhile, a householder at Pondside district, Yallahs, St Thomas, is now homeless after it is believed that an unattended candle set the house on fire Friday night.

Reports are that about 9 p.m., the occupant left her house with a lit candle and went to visit a neighbour. Minutes later, she observed fire coming from the house. The police and fire department were alerted and one unit from the Yallahs Fire Brigade extinguished the blaze. Loss is estimated at $3 million. The building was not insured.