The headquarters of ice-cream maker BICO went up in flames tonight, causing at least one million dollars in damage.
The north-western section of the complex was extensively damaged by the inferno that started around 7:50 p.m. and lasted more than two hours.

Chief executive officer Edwin Thirlwell, who rushed from home to the complex, said as far as he knew it was the first fire to hit the company since its opening on Bay Street in 1901.

According to engineering co-ordinator at the plant, Michael Korber, the fire started in the boiler section of the engineering area and extended to the storeroom.

At least nine fire tenders from Bridgetown and other areas battled the blaze, finding the billowing smoke and the absence of hydrants on the property among the challenges.

In a statement issued tonight by BICO's public relations company Redd Advertising, employees of the company have been asked to gather in the car park of Cricket Legends of Barbados at Herbert House, Fontabelle, at 8 a.m. tomorrow for an update on the company's next steps. (TY/PR)

Source: www.nationnews.com