Millions of dollars in cargo went up in flames late Sunday night as a fire of unknown origin ravaged two Laparkan Shipping storage bonds in the Guyana National Industrial Company compound on Lombard Street, Georgetown.
As of yesterday afternoon, the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) was still investigating to determine the cause of the fire. According to GFS, the bonds had no means of fire prevention. “There were no smoke detectors, fire extinguishers or fire hoses installed in the building,” the GFS said.
The fire started at approximately 11.30 pm and was first observed by a security guard, who was making routine checks.
“I saw the smoke and I know calling the fire service that would take a little too long so I just went and get them and bring them immediately,” a security guard, who asked not to be named, told Stabroek News yesterday morning.
He explained that on his return to the compound with the fire tender from the Central Fire Station, he noticed that the fire had grown and small explosions were starting to be heard. “…It was burning so fast people tried their best to help save items but there [is] a lot of damage,” he added.
A Laparkan employee, who also asked not to be named, related that when he was informed of the fire, he understood it was small and thought that it would be brought under control by the fire service. However, a few minutes later he received a call from another employee on the ground who informed him that fire was “out of control! Out of control!”
Acting Fire Chief Gregory Wickham yesterday told Stabroek News that seven firefighting appliances, including the fire boat, were used in the efforts to extinguish the fire.
The Guyana Fire Service yesterday afternoon said in a statement that Water Tenders #102 & #105 from Central Fire Station, #106 from Campbellville Fire Station, #107 from West Ruimveldt Fire Station, and #112 from Alberttown Fire Station responded to the fire.
According to Wickham, the GFS received a phone call at 23.45 hrs and a single tender was responding. However, as they approached the scene firefighters observed a large tuft of smoke and flames, leading them to summon the five other water tenders and the fire boat.
“When the firefighters got here, they noticed flames were coming from the north eastern section of the wharf and teams were deployed to contain that blaze,” Wickham explained.
He noted that while the massive fire was extinguished and contained in a “reasonable amount of time,” throughout the course of yesterday ranks had to monitor the scene as pockets of fire reignited.
“Tiny pockets of fire were popping up every now and again but the ranks are on site and monitoring the situation,” he added.
The acting Fire Chief stated that investigations are underway to determine the origin of the fire. Pressed if preliminary investigations have revealed any leads, Wickham responded in the negative.
Losses
Meanwhile, Laparkan Trading Company, the GFS said, suffered the loss of a Bobcat machine, a quantity of office furniture, gas cylinders, crates of energy drinks, three 40-feet containers containing electrical cables and flex hoses, three electrical transformers and three 40-feet refrigeration containers.
As the company compiled an inventory of the losses, Chief Operations Manager Sherry Singh yesterday told this newspaper that it will be in contact with customers who are affected.
She explained that all items at the bond are expected to be covered by insurance and before the end of the week, once clearance is given by the authorities, they will be contacting customers.
As of yesterday operations at Laparkan’s commercial section were halted. Nonetheless, Singh said non-commercial customers were able to clear and receive their cargo, which are mostly barrels and boxes.
Stabroek News understands that insurance agents have visited the scene and have already begun their own independent investigations.
The GFS said Tropical Shipping Company, which occupies a bond next to Laparkan, sustained water damage and minor fire damage. Propane cylinders, a quantity of barrels containing food stuff, clothing, household appliances and other items were destroyed.
The GFS also reported that 11 vehicles were completely consumed by the inferno, 3 partially destroyed and 5 severely damaged.
At the landing site, many customers who imported vehicles showed up yesterday to enquire as they had heard some vehicles had been destroyed. However, a Senior Manager, Albert Smith said that the company was still making checks to determine how many vehicles were damaged.
He stated that those on the wharf close to the bonds were damaged.
Firefighters and others who were at the scene were unable to move the cars as they were not in possession of the keys.
Commissioner-General of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) Godfrey Statia also visited the scene of the fire to determine the damage and possible setbacks they may face at the port.
“As far as we could see, the entire commercial bond has been burnt so we are now taking an inventory of what has been burnt. Some vehicles also that were on the wharf have also been burnt up, so we will be doing an inventory,” he explained in a brief comment to the media.
Statia further explained that while the re-importation of the vehicles would lie with Laparkan and the insurance companies, GRA is willing to facilitate swift clearance when they are replaced.
GRA’s Comptroller of Customs Excise and Trade Operations, Rohan Beekhoo, who accompanied Statia, added that they will be looking to resume operations as soon as possible.
“Of course, we’re concerned also about the revenue and the losses to the revenue, but inventory is something that we’re going to work on very quickly and as soon as they get their act together, we’re ready to implement the temporary measures,” he noted.
Beekhoo explained that his department will be working with Laparkan to ensure that the business is not impeded. “So, we just had discussions with them where we can work with them to install or implement temporary measures,” he indicated.
