A two-storey North Ruimveldt house was yesterday gutted by fire which was allegedly set by an occupant of the home.
The wooden and concrete structure which went up in flames at about 9 last night, was said to be occupied by a tenant in the lower flat and a couple in the upper flat.
It was stated that the male, who is in a relationship with the suspect, is related to the owners of the property. The two occupied the upper flat and acted as custodians of the property.
A resident who asked not to be named, during an interview with Stabroek News stated that the guardians of the home were in an argument moments before the home went up in flames.
The man explained that the house took about ten minutes to burn as the fire progressed rapidly.
He said the fire-fighters arrived on the scene approximately twelve minutes after the house began burning and were able to put the fire out before it spread to neighbouring buildings.
The neighbour further revealed that fire started in the kitchen area of the Lot 37/26 North Ruimveldt home minutes after the suspect left the home.
He believes that after her male partner left the home with her following shortly behind, the suspect might have thrown something through the window which started the fire.
Another neighbour who asked to remain anonymous, told this newspaper that just after an argument between the couple had ended, the fire started.
The woman explained that according to other neighbours the suspect had threatened to burn the house shortly before the incident.
She later disclosed that the couple constantly argues and fights as she informed this newspaper that several neighbours had previously advised the woman to leave the home.
This newspaper was told that public-spirited persons in the community banded together and began carrying items out of a neighbour’s home which is in proximity to the burning house, just in case the fire got out of control.
Presently, that home is affected by water and heat damage.
The woman said the fire affected her a lot, adding that although the household items are materials things that can be replaced, it still requires cash to do so.
Efforts made to contact Commander of Region 4(A) Simon McBean were unsuccessful, however, according to persons at the scene, the suspect was said to be in police custody.
When Stabroek News arrived at the scene of the fire, onlookers were watching as the fire-fighters battled the blaze. No injuries were reported.
