A fire caused by a build-up of static energy saw a gas depot engulfed in flames and a woman injured yesterday morning.
When Stabroek News visited the depot at St Lawrence, East Bank Essequibo, the proprietor who declined to give his name, explained that around 9.30 am yesterday he was dispensing gas from the pump when it combusted.
He said the pump did not explode but ignited and the fire spread around the gas depot and to his house nearby.
Quick response from the Guyana Fire Service saved the house, where the proprietor resides with his wife. However, his wife sustained burns to her right hand and arm.
According to reports, the woman was taken to the West Demerara Regional Hospital where she was treated and sent away.
Fire Chief Marlon Gentle said the fire was caused by someone filling a plastic container with fuel, which caused a build-up of static electricity.
Gentle explained that the build-up of static electricity is a “normal thing”, but a metal container should be used, since it would keep the electricity flow grounded. He said too that the plastic bottle may have been off the ground while it was being filled.
Gentle said that the device on the station’s pump was working because it shut down the entire depot once the fire started.
The fire service has since launched an investigation.
