Harbour Island gas station fire razes childhood home

Harbour Island gas station fire razes childhood home

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Harbour Island businessman Michael Higgs was in Nassau when flames from a nearby gas station fire engulfed the childhood home where he lived with his wife and daughter.

However, his 15-year-old daughter was in the shower when she heard and felt the first “boom” rattle the house. Another “boom” sounded shortly thereafter, Higgs said.

The fire at Briland on the Go Service Station was reported shortly after 6pm, according to police, who said four structures were destroyed before the blaze could be extinguished.

Higgs also operates his rental company, Michael’s Cycles, from the home.

He told Eyewitness News Online after his daughter scrambled to safety, members of the community helped move about 40 vehicles out of harm’s way.

“It’s really impacted us, but above all my wife is ok, my daughter is ok,” Higgs said.

“The business will still run, the vehicles didn’t get damaged. The guys took them out for me. They had some 40 something vehicles and bicycles. Most of the products were moved out.

“The house, a lot of stuff got burned in the fire, but my wife was able to retrieve our travel documents.

“With God’s help we will bounce back,” he said.

“That is our childhood home. My family stayed there and me and my wife moved back there with my kids. My (daughter) couldn’t make it to school today.”

Higgs said he did not have insurance on the home, but he had other properties he could relocate his family as they rebuild.

“I had so many calls from friends all over the world to help out, its been very encouraging,” he added.

“We’re still going strong.”