A pensioner and his family lost their home on Wednesday night when a fire of electrical origin destroyed a two-storey house at Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara.
Deopaul Omrow, 68, of Lot 294 Fourth Street, Mon Repos pasture, told Stabroek News that he was on the upper flat when his son alerted him to the fire, which occurred sometime between 9.30 pm and 10 pm.
He said his son, Jairam Deopaul, 43, who resided on the lower flat, called out to him, “Daddy come quick! Fire downstairs!”
By the time he made his way downstairs, the fire had already started to spread to the top of the house.
Omrow, who resided at the property for over 50 years, said the fire started when power returned after a blackout and a lamp that had been plugged in is believed to be the source.
The fire spread to clothes and a mattress that were nearby
The man disclosed that he lost everything in the fire, including his pension book, and identification card. “August me gah draw money. Where me gon get fuh draw this money?” he asked.
Omrow stated that the house was already gone by the time the firefighters arrived. “It nah tek but three hour fuh de house bun. When they come, they nah got water and a two fire wheel come,” he said, while also noting that the nearby drain could not serve as an adequate source for water as it was mostly filled with mud.
At the time of the fire, three family members were home: Omrow, his son and his grandson.
Omrow and his son spent the remainder of the night in the yard under a make-shift zinc set up, while his grandson was taken to his mother’s residence. The man added that he was told to visit the police station but he related to this newspaper that he had no clothing to wear in order to make the trip.
Omrow, who was an estate worker, told this newspaper that his home was not insured, and he will have to make something to live in.
Deopaul told Stabroek News that he was having a meal when he smelled something burning and he called out for his father.
He explained that he and an older brother usually dwell downstairs when they return home from their work at sea.
The men were unable to estimate their losses, which included furniture and music sets.
Fire Chief Marlon Gentle related that the fire was caused by internal electrical problems.
Persons willing to assist the family can contact with Kaloutie Samaroo on telephone number 220-9122.
