La Romaine bush fire leaves man dead

Mon Repos fire officers putting out a bush fire in La Romaine yesterday found the charred remains of a man inside a house where he lived alone.

The victim is believed to be 65-year-old Michael Chadee of Allahar Street.

Police said a bush fire broke out at about 10 am. Fire officers put it out and left, but at about at 3.30 pm, they received reports that the fire had reignited and they returned and put it out again.

It was then they found the remains inside the dilapidated wooden and concrete structure, which is surrounded by bush. The house was not wired for electricity.

Neighbours said earlier in the day, they saw Chadee walking out in the street, but did not see him return,nor did they hear any screams at the time of the fire, so they assumed he was not home.

They said he was a loner and an alcoholic.

A resident told Newsday today, "He was originally from Delhi Road in Fyzabad.

"People said they saw him earlier going out the road, but did not notice if he returned.

"That had to be him.

"I was right here and did not hear anything. The bush was covering that house too."

PC Atkinson of San Fernando CID is investigating.