Fire Chief Marlon Gentle has said that despite their challenges, firefighters could have done better in their response to the Sheriff Street blaze on Wednesday that destroyed three buildings.
The fire, which started at the Associated Packers Industry building on John Street then quickly moved to the surrounding DeSinco buildings and lasted over five hours as the fire service battled with water supply issues.
Gentle, who yesterday noted that an investigation was still ongoing, said that there were a number of hindrances to the firefighters.
He said the inadequate amount of water resulted in the fire growing and the men panicked.
Gentle added that what was stored on the premises also contributed to the fire.
He disclosed that items that were flammable, such as decorative materials, cosmetics, oil and shortening, all helped in feeding the fire. He also stated that given the time of day that the fire took place, and the clothing used by firefighters, they developed heat fatigue.
However, he said, he believed that they should have been more coordination among the firefighters and better tactics used in response.
At the scene yesterday, Stabroek News observed firefighters and insurance agents.
A small object was still lit and smoke was seen emerging from the bottom section of one of the buildings, while extensive work was being done to remove debris.
Although the fire destroyed its headquarters, Associated Packers Industry is being positioned to continue to meet the needs of its customers.
Company representative Cassandra Jaikaran told Stabroek News that the current aim is to try and rebuild the company as soon as possible.
Jaikaran said they will continue to try and service their customers, so they will not face the same blow being experienced by the company.
She explained that with a makeshift setting in place, they plan to do their best to serve, albeit with a skeleton staff.
Derrick Sukhram, an accountant with the company, explained that the plan is to set up a temporary office at the home of Chief Executive Officer Mahindra Jaikaran, from where they will be operating.
With the remaining supplies available, he said they will start from there.
He said they are trying to keep as many employees as possible while they continue to operate. However, he said as they go forward they will better determine how they stand.
Vibert Gordon, an office assistant, recalled going into the building and pulling out a gas bottle, which he said felt warm. He could not return for another. “I wouldn’t be here today fuh talk wah… I had to leave duh and come out of the building,” he said.
Gordon said that had there been an adequate supply of water, it would have been possible to save the other two buildings.
Nicola Jones, a security guard at the site, said she was having lunch just after one when she smelled smoke.
Jones said, after smelling smoke she got out and went outside where she noticed fire in the upper part of the Associated Packers building.
Immediately after, she alerted staff members.
She explained that they probably thought she was making a joke and she assured them she was being serious.
A resident from the neighbourhood, who witnessed the fire, stated that it started in a room on the top floor of the building.
Just about 1pm, or after, she said, she looked up and saw the fire and employees were running out of the building.
Though the firefighters did not take long to arrive on the scene, when they did they were not able to contain the fire, as they were having issues.
