Pandemonium erupted on Water Street earlier this afternoon after old tires were ignited by sparks from a welding torch being used on a property behind Giftland Office Max.
There was a mad rush to evacuate Giftland and the nearby National Hardware Store around 1 pm. Scores of police were on the scene directing traffic and trying to control the crowd.
When Stabroek News arrived on the scene, thick black smoke was billowing behind Giftland Office Max and from a