Fire Water

Home > Destinations > St. Ann > Fire Water

stripe

Windsor Mineral Spring

Fire Water, St. Ann's Bay, St. Ann  

Fire Water, St. Ann's Bay, St. Ann Windsor Mineral Spring - Just outside of St Ann's Bay

The Windsor Mineral Spring (more commonly known as "Fire Water") is a small pool of water with a very unusual quality. The pool contains water which can catch fire! This phenomenon is believed to be caused by a high concentration of sulphur in the water.

Once you arrive at the community of Windsor, you'll be greeted by the residents who will usher you towards a bamboo and tarpaulin shielded enclosure. Inside lies the famous "Fire Water". Your guide will demonstrate the fire water to you and let you walk through the flaming water.

Fire massages are offered in the pool, where the recipient lies in the water and a massage is performed with a towel which has been soaked in the sulphuric water and held in the flames. The high concentration of minerals in the water is said to contain medicinal properties and many stories have been told of its healing and rejuvenating effects.

Finally, the guides will demonstrate how they cook on the fire water by setting up a pot on a stand above the flames.

History of the Fire Water

The pond has been used for centuries as a medical bathing spot for slaves from the surrounding plantations. However, its flammable properties were discovered some 80 years ago when Mehala Smith (now called Granny May) attempted to bathe in the water but was troubled by wasps from a nest hanging in the trees nearby. She attempted to burn out the nest with a flaming torch but the torch fell out of her hands. When the torch hit the pool the water mysteriously caught alight. She ran home screaming that "duppies" (ghosts) were in the water. Mehala continued to bath in the water and is now over 100 years old.

NB - some visitors have reported that the charges for the trip are not always made clear and can come as a surprise at the end of the experience. It is advisable to negotiate the price in advance and to seek clarification of what that does and doesn't include.

© 2011 Jamaica Travel and Culture .com

Windsor Mineral Spring, St. Ann's Bay, St. Ann


stripe

Valid HTML 4.01 Transitional    Valid CSS!    email    Facebook Logo Share    delicious button   

Home  |  Destinations  |  Music  |  Jamaican Recipes  |  The Arts  |  Icons |  About Us |  Further Reading  |  Links  |  Search
Destinations
Kingston
Montego Bay
Negril
Ocho Rios
Port Antonio
More Destinations....
Music
Bob Marley
Sean Paul
Shaggy
Black Uhuru
Beenie Man
More Artists....
Jamaican Recipes
Jerk Chicken
Ackee and Saltfish
Rice and Peas
Beef Patties
Curry Chicken
More....
The Arts
The Harder They Come
Dancehall Queen
Power Game
Small Island
More....
Icons
Ackee
Jamaican Flag
Marcus Garvey
About Us
Further Reading
Links
Search
St. Ann Parish
Port Antonio
Ocho Rios
Runaway Bay
Runaway Bay
Nine Mile
Nine Mile
Faith's Pen
Faith's Pen
Faith's Pen
St. Ann's Bay
Fire Water
Fire Water
Cranbrook Flower Forest
Cranbrook Flower Forest
Green Grotto Caves
Green Grotto Caves
Discovery Bay
Discovery Bay
Brown's Town
Brown's Town
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle