Fire-fighters were able to contain a fire at Anna Regina early this morning but not before a general store and store room were completely gutted.
Fire chief Marlon Gentle told Stabroek News that just after midnight a report was made that a building was ablaze at Anna Regina. The building, he said, houses several dwelling quarters and a business. The fire started in a store room.
Quick action by fire-fighters he noted resulted in the blaze being brought under control. He explained that there are many businesses in the area where the fire occurred. A gas station is located next door to the building where the fire started and according to the fire chief, the aim of the fire-fighters was to prevent the fire from spreading there.
Gentle said that the store room was completely gutted along with about 40% of the living quarters.
He noted that an investigation has been launched into the origin of the fire but it is believed that one of the transformers that carry electricity to the building malfunctioned. He said that arson has not been ruled out.
The building is owned by Essequibo businessman Ivan Narine and was being rented by city resident Rohan Sarjoo.
