Firemen work to put out the fire on Stephen Lane in central Kingston yesterday. - Ricardo Makyn

Five people, including a child, are now homeless after fire of unknown origin gutted a two-bedroom house at Stephen Lane in Southside, central Kingston, yesterday.

Reports are that about 2:15 p.m., residents saw fire coming from a section of the building and sounded an alarm. It took three units from York Park, Trench Town and Rollington Town fire stations to extinguish the blaze.

Residents who lost everything in the blaze, said they were too shocked to say much, however, they were appealing for assistance in the form of clothing and personal effects.

"Lawd, everything gone, we need help badly. That is all mi can sey. We just see the place on fire and start bawl fi help and run out. Mi still glad fi life,'' said a female occupant who chose not to be identified.

District officer Garth Mills of the Rollington Town station, said the cause of the fire is still being investigated and the damage is estimated at $2.8 million.

The fire department said the house was not insured.