Despite losing her home and all her belongings in a fire just the day before, a 17-year-old student sat her first Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) exam on Friday.

The teen, who did not wish to be identified, said while she felt some anxiety, she remained confident that she did well.

"I had my English paper two this morning. I was a little scared and I was bothered by everything, but my exams take priority. I feel confident. Despite the devastation surrounding me, I am committed to my studies."

Her notebooks, textbooks, secondary-based assessments and other school supplies were lost in the fire.

On Thursday at about 11 am, a fire on Saddle Road, San Juan, destroyed the building where four families lived. Four puppies died in the blaze.

Three families said they lost everything, while one ground floor apartment had minimal damage.

The teen’s mother said the school’s vice principal has been very accommodating and empathetic to the situation.

"They said it was okay for her to sit her exams in just jeans and a t-shirt."

The teen said she wants to be a doctor.

Her mother said her daughter always loved helping people and she was proud of her daughter’s determination.

"In spite of everything happening, she’s holding her chin up."

The puppies' owner told Newsday her lone surviving adult dog was okay.

She said the dog was found on Thursday night at the back of the house and had received minor burns.

"When the fire was going on, the mother dog ran back into the fire to save the puppies. We couldn't get her out.

"When everything was over, we found her to the back of the property. She was covered in ash and she had some burns about her body but she's okay."

On Friday, residents described the Fire Service's response to the tragedy as poor. Some residents asked why taxpayers’ dollars were not being used to adequately equip the fire service.

[caption id="attachment_1082767" align="alignnone" width="1024"] CAUSE UNKNOWN: Fire officers at the Moses Avenue, San Juan house that was destroyed by fire on Thursday. The cause of the fire is yet to be determined. - Faith Ayoung[/caption]

"One of the trucks showed up without water. Nearly four fire trucks came and they couldn't put it out. The hose was leaking nonstop, it burst all over," one upset resident said.

"This is licks for taxpayers’ money. They don’t even have the proper equipment. One officer had to use a bolt cutter to burst down a door. Where is our money going?" another added.

Keone Guy, president of the Fire Service Association, said on Thursday morning, the Morvant fire station was the first to arrive, with a truck equipped with 1,000 litres of water.

He explained a suitable tender carries between 4,500 and 10,000 litres of water.

Another resident claimed that officers changed shifts while battling the blaze.

"They changing shifts while the fire going on. Some of them sitting down not even looking interested in what they doing because they waiting on the next set of officers to come," one upset resident said.

Deputy chief fi