The fire would have been far more extensive had it not been for the speedy response of the SLFS.

A fire which started in the wee hours of Friday morning left a path of smoldering destruction in its wake in the town of Soufriere, along Saint Lucia's west coast.

The blaze, which is currently under investigation by local authorities, engulfed a number of private homes and small businesses in the town renowned for its iconic twin Pitons.

Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Kenny Anthony visited the scene early Friday morning and lamented the timing of the devastating event.

"This could not have happened at a worse time, because we are on the eve of Christmas celebrations and I'm certain the business owners had plans for their businesses, so it's really a tremendous loss for them."

The Prime Minister took time to praise the Saint Lucia Fire Service - Soufriere and Vieux Fort divisions - for being able to prevent a massive spread of the blaze to surrounding structures.

"Everyone has told me they did an outstanding job in very difficult circumstances. Because the water pressure was very low, a call was made to the fire service in Vieux Fort. Many of the residents told me that had it not been for the support from Vieux Fort, the fire would have been far more extensive."

Dr. Anthony said despite the loss of property, the people of Soufriere remain resilient. He is awaiting a report on the blaze from the Saint Lucia Fire Service.

Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. Philip J. Pierre; Minister for Home Affairs and National Security, Philip La Corbiniere; and Minister for Commerce, Hon. Emma Hippolyte joined the Prime Minister in visiting the site of the fire.

NEMO officials are conducting assessments while the Saint Lucia Fire Service continues to attend to the scene.

Parliamentary Representative for Soufriere, Hon. Harold Dalsan, is currently out of state , but is making arrangements to return home at the soonest.