Investigators launched a probe yesterday into the fire that razed the Ministry of Health Annex at Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara on Tuesday, leaving debris in its wake and causing dozens of health workers to be relocated.
Fire Chief Marlon Gentle said yesterday that they have not been able to determine the cause of the blaze but were investigating the possible reasons.
The building which housed the Veterinary Public Health Department, the Food Policy Department, the Environmental Health Department and the Health Science Education Department of the ministry was still smoldering hours after it was engulfed in thick flames.
The fire started around 3:15 am, scaring residents living nearby as strong winds pushed the blazes to southward.
Scores of villagers and people from neighbouring villages had scurried to the scene in sleeping clothes to watch the blaze. However, they were cautioned by firefighters and police to keep away.
The fire chief had stated that they were unable to save the building, despite firefighters arriving at the scene early, because of strong winds which were fanning the flames.
“In my 29 years of experience of firefighting this the first fire I have ever fought with this amount of wind under these challenging conditions,” he said.
Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health Trevor Thomas had said the ministry was discussing alternative accommodation for health workers and the fire was a great loss to them since valuable records were destroyed.
The building was erected decades ago and was originally the location of the Carib Hotel run by the Yassins.
