The house of Ian Skeffers, who according to residents is a legal consultant, was engulfed in flames some time around 1pm yesterday. However a quick response by the fire service prevented further damage to the back of the adjoining building and neighbouring buildings.
When Stabroek News arrived on the scene at 1.32 pm, two fire engines were present; one engine was pumping water and another was drawing water from a nearby drain. The flames were already out but the house was still being hosed down as neighbours and other curious persons looked on.
The owner, Skeffers, was said to be at work and according to one of his neighbours, Terrence Downes, “I was just about to eat when I saw smoke… this was some fifteen minutes ago”. In his haste, Downes said, he dialled 911 which rang out. However the fire engines eventually arrived but according to Downes, the fire was almost over.
Meanwhile, Samantha Warde, Skeffers neighbour to the left said all she heard was “packs, packs” and saw the smoke. She said that nobody saw anything but she praised the quick response of the fire service and their efforts in outing the flames.
A badly scorched gas bottle was brought out and placed under the spray of the leaky hose to cool.
Skeffers was said to be living in the area for some 15 years. From all appearances, the man lives alone and it was said that he used to be a lawyer’s clerk but is now doing legal work in Georgetown.
Meanwhile, Station Officer Sparman of the Central Fire Station said it was too early to say what the cause of the fire was. However, he did point out that the fire started in a front bedroom of the wooden front flat. He further added that the police will be advised to barricade the building while efforts were made to contact the owner.
Stabroek News managed to contact the man’s son, Raynell Skeffers, who did not know that his father’s place had burned. The son said he would contact his father but this newspaper was subsequently unable to reach him.
