The Virgin Islands Fire and Rescue Services Department extinguished a fire on the second floor of a residence in Huntums Ghut on Wednesday, according to government.
After receiving a call at 4:17 a.m., one fire truck from the Road Town Fire Station and seven fire personnel were dispatched to the scene.
Within eight minutes of arriving, the fire was contained and extinguished, government reported.
According to acting Chief Fire Officer William Penn, the Huntums Ghut blaze was the 15th structural fire this year.
“This is a concern because persons are losing personal items and property is being damaged or lost,” he said.
Mr. Penn advised residents and visitors to take precautionary measures in eliminating unwanted fires.
“As advice before leaving your home, unplug unused appliances, ensure there are no leaks from gas tanks, and do not leave children unattended around matches or fire,” he said.
The department also urged residents to be mindful of the current dry season and not to engage in activity involving backyard, pasture, or other burning.
As this dry season has been especially arid, the government announced a “drought watch” for the territory in early July.
The Department of Disaster Management reported that the territory got just 3.5 inches of rain in the first six months of 2015, compared to 13.5 inches for the same period last year.