Apartment 2A belonging to Philip Elcock was gutted by a fire in Deacon's Farm, St Michael. (Pictures by Basil Griffith.)

THIRTEEN PEOPLE are homeless following a fire which gutted one house and severely damaged another in Madison Terrace, Deacons Farm, St Michael yesterday.

Among those displaced are 68-year-old Irene Pile, her nine grandchildren, one great-grand, and her adult daughter.

Philip Elcock lived in the other unit which was gutted.

The fire started in Elcock's 2A apartment and completely wiped out his belongings, before it spread to Pile's unit next door. Elcock said he "smelt something" but when he found nothing wrong, he left home. However, before he could leave the neighbourhood he received a call that his home was on fire.

The Pile family were able to save most of their belongings but were advised not to live in the apartment because of cracked walls and water damage.

The elderly Pile who was not feeling well prior to the fire sought medical attention and another daughter, Heather Agard, praised neighbours for their help.

While the families stayed with relatives last night, they were assured by their parliamentary representative, Christopher Sinckler and Minister of Housing, Michael Lashley, who were present, that they would be relocated to other units today. (KB)