By Aviso Paul
An investigation has been launched by the Guyana Fire Service to ascertain the cause of a blaze which engulfed a section of the eastern wing of the Universal Department of Guyana Stores Limited (GSL) early yesterday morning.
According to a release from the Guyana Fire and Rescue Service, at 1:29 am yesterday, a call was received about a fire at GSL which is located at Lot 19 Water Street, Georgetown. In response, water tenders from the Central, Alberttown, West Ruimveldt, and Campbellville fire stations were immediately dispatched to the location.
Upon arrival, fire-fighters observed fire and smoke emanating from the top floor of the three-story wooden and concrete building which is operated as a department store and owned by Guyanese businessman Tony Yassin who resides in the United States.
Their swift action resulted in the extinguishing of the fire which saved more than 50 per cent of the building. However, the ground, first and second floors were severely damaged by the fire.
The release noted that six jets working a water relay system from an open water source and a fire hydrant were used to help extinguish the fire.
Acting Fire Chief, Gregory Wickham said that although the firefighters responded on time, they encountered challenges in gaining entry to the building due to the presence of heavy security grillwork. He added that much of it had to be wrenched off.
When Stabroek News visited the scene yesterday, smoke was still issuing from the building, while many burnt items, especially clothing could be seen through the windows and doors. Water accumulation was also observed on the western side of Main Street and in front of the Courts store causing localised flooding and subsequent disruption to vendors who ply their trade in the area.
At the store yesterday, GSL Company Secretary, James Deane, recounted that he received a call after one yesterday morning, informing him that the building was on fire. He hurried to the scene and found the firefighters battling the fire.
He said that there were three security guards who were on duty when the fire started and that they were the ones who raised an alarm.
Deane told this newspaper, “The fire started from the east wing Universal building… we still do not know on which of those floors the fire had initially started from but on the ground floor of that department had electrical items, it had cords, housewares and also contained … some stationery and the upstairs had some stocks.” The secretary said that the ground floor suffered major water damage.
“We are awaiting the report from the fire service… we haven’t been able to quantify an estimate of how much was lost… a decision will however be taken soon as to what will happen to the employees of that department, but for now we have to await the report from the fire service, so when they present their report and so on and give us the okay, well then we will be able to move into gear to see what can be done”, he said.
According to the Guyana Stores LinkedIn website, the store which offers a wide range of items and services, was incorporated in 1976 as a state-owned enterprise to acquire the business and assets of the Booker Group of Companies. It housed for a long time the famous Bookers department store.
