Eleven persons are now homeless and seeking help as fire, believed to have been caused by an electrical short circuit, destroyed three houses in Grange Hill, Westmoreland on Thursday.

No one was at home when the fire started in one of the houses and despite desperate attempts by community members, the inferno got out of control and spread to two adjoining houses consuming the structures and their contents.

Patricia Forbes, owner of the third house to be affected, said she managed to save most of her furniture and appliances, thanks to the community but her family in the other houses lost everything.

The total damage to the three houses is estimated at just over $5 million, there was no insurance coverage.

The families are asking for assistance. The numbers to call are 879-9675; 485-9255; 846-9070 and 918-6048.