A fire of unknown origin at the Bourda Cemetery yesterday affected residents, pedestrians, and business persons in the immediate area.
The burial ground, which has been in the area for over 100 years, has had fires many times before but never to such an extent, Stabroek News was told.
The fire started around 8am yesterday and it was alleged that workers from the Mayor and City Council, who were cleaning the cemetery yesterday morning, lit small fires.
Residents and business owners told Stabroek News that when the fire started, the fire department came and doused the flames. However, around 2pm, flames were seen again and soon spiralled out of control. Residents and businesses pitched in to assist the fire service via a bucket brigade.
Residents said that they tried calling the fire department and the firemen arrived half an hour after the blaze started and within 15 minutes, they ran out of water even as the flames increased and spread.
The flames eventually went out yesterday afternoon.
At some buildings in the area, many residents said that they had to leave their homes after the smoke burned their eyes. Clothes which were on lines were also covered with ashes.
One vendor called ‘Sonia’ said that many of her merchandise were damaged due to the smoke and ashes.
According to her, the damage could amount over $100,000. She said that she will have to assess the damage and decide what to do next.
