Three girls are in intensive care today after being severally injured by a fire that started at the Willie Mae Pratt school for girls (formerly known as the Girls Industrial School).

It was said that these young women were trapped in their dorm rooms during the fire and were freed only when the police and fire department arrived on the scene. Police are now looking for two other girls ages 14 and 15 who escaped the compound during the blaze.

The questions that are now being raised are:
What procedures are in place at the Willie Mae Pratt school to evacuate the premises encase a fire accrued?
Who is responsible for handling keys at the school?
Are there any smoke detector or fire extinguishers in place at that school?

Please post your comments below.

That was a tragedy that probably could have been avoided. The thought of someone being locked in an unable to escape the flames sends shivers down my spine!

You asked a few questions that only the authorities that be, can really answer. However, I think there are some conclusions to draw.

"What procedures are in place at the Willie Mae Pratt school to evacuate the premises encase a fire accrued?" I am sure they have one. But like most places it is not "Top Priority." I hope it will be now.


"Who is responsible for handling keys at the school?" There must be someone there with the keys. If someone is taken ill they would have to get to her!


"Are there any smoke detector or fire extinguishers in place at that school?" Is that the law here? If not, it should be. These things are important in public buildings. They are even more so in a place where people are "locked down."

I just got word a few minutes ago that one of the girls who was trapped in the fire had just died.


There has to be some answers in this case.

I just got word a few minutes ago that one of the girls who was trapped in the fire had just died.


There has to be some answers in this case.Sad news you bring to us Delroy. Sad news. But it has been a day for sad news!

One of the females who was admitted to the hospital has died.

The other two in hospital are still in critical condition and show no signs of improvement but have gotten worse.

Two other females are still missing.

The other 29 are accounted for and are receiving counceling.

Three girls are in intensive care today after being severally injured by a fire that started at the Willie Mae Pratt school for girls (formerly known as the Girls Industrial School).

It was said that these young women were trapped in their dorm rooms during the fire and were freed only when the police and fire department arrived on the scene. Police are now looking for two other girls ages 14 and 15 who escaped the compound during the blaze.

The questions that are now being raised are:
What procedures are in place at the Willie Mae Pratt school to evacuate the premises encase a fire accrued?
Who is responsible for handling keys at the school?
Are there any smoke detector or fire extinguishers in place at that school?

Please post your comments below.Cable 12 news just released information that the girls were LOCKED in the rooms from the OUTSIDE, and that firefighters had to use "lock cutters" to gain access.

Whoever thought it was a good idea to LOCK THE DOORS FROM THE OUTSIDE needs to be held criminally negligent, and responsible for the death of that young girl.

Cable 12 news just released information that the girls were LOCKED in the rooms from the OUTSIDE, and that firefighters had to use "lock cutters" to gain access.

Whoever thought it was a good idea to LOCK THE DOORS FROM THE OUTSIDE needs to be held criminally negligent, and responsible for the death of that young girl.
I can understand locking the doors from the outside. After all, these girls were there under court order - presumably. What I can’t understand is why was the key not ready to hand when it was needed? Where was it? That is the question.

I can understand locking the doors from the outside. After all, these girls were there under court order - presumably. What I can’t understand is why was the key not ready to hand when it was needed? Where was it? That is the question.
The question is where were the staff or the Security personel?
Security personel should have access to every door in that building.

A terrible tragedy. My heart goes out to the families, especially the families of the young girl who lost her life and the girls who are holding on to life in intensive care.

So many thoughts have been running through my head about the possible family circumstances. No doubt some of the girls had been a worry to their families, who despite the shame they might have felt about their daughters being locked up, might have thought that at least they were now in a safe place, away from bad outside influences. Imagine how they must be feeling now.

I'm not surprised that two of the girls decided to escape and I wouldn't blame anyone not wanting to turn them in, even though the police have stated that they would be breaking the law. I think the girls who escaped should not be further punished when they are in custody again and that anyone who harboured them should not be prosecuted, under these terrible circumstances.
By the way, aren't there government fire inspectors who go around centres like this and other public buildings? I hope Fox Hill Prison is well protected from fire. I dread to think what would happen there if a fire broke out.