Quick action by employees prevented what could have been millions of dollars in damage at Ramchand Auto General Store, when a fire broke out at the Sheriff Street store shortly before midday yesterday.
By the time fire fighters arrived at the Lot 51 Sheriff Street business place, the blaze, which started in the upper flat where car parts and other items are stored, had already been quelled. A rack of shock absorbers was completely destroyed.
Businessman Ramchand Ragbeer told reporters that one of his employees alerted them to the fire and immediately a pump and hose set-up was activated to get water to the burning section. He noted that just before the smoke was spotted, there was a loud sound coming from the area.
Ragbeer opined that something must have exploded and caused the fire. He noted that a lot of flammable material is stored in the area and they would keep the “place open.” He noted that members of the Guyana Fire Service responded promptly but by the time they arrived the fire had been contained. While noting that he could not estimate his losses, Ragbeer stressed that “not much stuff” was destroyed.
Ragbeer has been operating at the location since 2000.
