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PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten – Minister of Public Housing, Environment, Spatial Planning and Infrastructure (Ministry VROMI) Hon. Maurice Lake sprang into action on Saturday after learning about the fire that gutted four homes leaving seven victims homeless. Minister Lake organized his team from Ministry VROMI to arrange temporary housing for the seven fire victims. "St. Peters is my hometown. It hit hard to hear that fellow residents had suffered this tragedy. I would like to commend the boys on the block who were the first to respond to the fire. "We need to give them credit for their bravery. They alerted the other residents as well so everybody could move to safety," Minister Hon. Maurice Lake said on Sunday. In the week of August 4th the Minister along with officials from Ministry VROMI will do a walk-through in the neighborhood where the fire took place. "These dwellings are fire hazards and a disaster waiting to happen. A better plan and structure needs to be put in place in areas that have dwellings built from wood. This can only be accomplished by working with the landowners. "After the Cole Bay fire several months ago, a team was put together to make recommendations with respect to neighborhoods that have housing structures which pose a hazard. This is a work in progress. "I would also recommend to GEBE to work with the Fire Department with respect to the placement of fire hydrants in strategic locations in every district, and to see how certain areas can be made more accessible in the event of an emergency," Minister Hon. Maurice Lake said on Sunday. In Photo: Minister Hon. Maurice Lake (4th from left) standing with the boys from the block who heroically assisted in warning residents after the fire broke out thereby preventing any loss of life or further damage to property. Maurice Lake mentioned 4 times