“Oh my God, the water is on fire!” I imagine this was the exclamation from Granny May when she discovered over 90 years ago that the water flowing through her backyard could be set ablaze. This spring, located in the shanty community in St. Ann’s Bay is now known as the “Jamaica Fire Water”.
The Discovery of Jamaica Fire Water
20-years-old Granny May was taking a bath in the spring when she saw a wasp nest hanging from a nearby orange tree. She grabbed a torch to burn the nest but it fell into the river. Instead of outing the torch, the flames spread and the water was ablaze! She ran to tell her parents and so began the discovery of the Jamaica Fire Water.
While Granny May's story is what you will hear from the locals, Windsor Spring's (Jamaica Fire Water) existence has been recorded in Jamaica's history from as early as 1869. In fact, the water’s unusual composition has played an important role in the search for natural oil and gas in Jamaica.
Healing powers of Jamaica Fire Water
Today, the bubbling spring is believed to have healing powers and is frequently visited by ailing and baptismal patrons. Geologists have found that the spring contains high proportions of calcium, sodium and chloride. While scientists agree that it may have some medicinal value, they warn that it should not be consumed because of its high strontium content which may be radioactive. However, the locals still believe and will tell you that it is sulphur - filled.
On our arrival, Police, the resident protector of the spring gave us a quick tour of the Fire Water. Just outside the spring are wooden homes of members of the modest community. The spring is surrounded by a bamboo enclosure and has been concreted to create a shallow pool.
A foot massage from my guide
Playing with fire
Police took out a lighter which he used to ignite the water. He walked through the flames and began to use the flaming water to wash his face. The fire was literally in his hands!
“Come man, it nah go burn you!” Police prodded me along as I hesitantly touched the water.
I soon forgot my mother’s warning ‘never to play with fire.’ I washed my face, walked through the flames and then settled down for a quick foot massage from Police. He heated the towel over the fire and then applied it to my legs. He boasted that members of the community rarely visited the doctor because of the natural healing powers of the Jamaica Fire Water. This methane spring is also said to be the place where slaves went for a bath in order to be healed.
I couldn’t help but ask why wasn’t the place more developed. “This is a very spiritual place and we don’t want the healing and the fire to go away,” Police responded. It could also be because the Windsor well that was drilled to a depth of 12,820 feet yielded no commercial oil.
Before we left, Police demonstrated how he prepares quick meals over the flames. We didn’t stay to grab a bite but I did promise faithfully not to bathe within 24 hours so the healing powers of the water could take full effect.
Check out my album for more photos
Tips:
- Wear comfortable shoes (it can be muddy)
- Take along a towel
- Be adventurous!
(Article first published in Buzzz Magazine)
