The Guyana Fire Service (GFS) yesterday said that investigations have revealed that welding done in close proximity to a foam mattress triggered the inferno which gutted the Z Mohammed and Sons bond at Happy Acres on Monday and during which two fire-fighters suffered smoke inhalation.
In a statement yesterday, the GFS said that at 4.35 pm on Monday the fire service was alerted to a fire at Lot 9 Felicity, Happy Acres, East Coast Demerara. It said that the structure involved was a steel and concrete storage building owned by 57-year-old Zaid Mohamed.
Firefighters from the Central, West Ruimveldt, Alberttown, Campbellville, and Melanie fire stations, along with two ambulances and Emergency Medical Technicians, were immediately dispatched to the location, the statement said.
While the GFS had difficulty arriving at the location due to rush hour traffic and vehicle blockages at the site, the first appliance arrived on the scene at 16:51 hours, and firefighters managed to bring the fire under control by 6 pm, using the original tank supply and foam.
During the blaze, there were several explosions of flammable compounds (oils, thinners, etc.), which presented a clear danger to firefighters, the GFS said.
Due to the intensity of the fire, two firefighters suffered smoke inhalation and were transported to the hospital. There were no other injuries.
Investigations, the GFS said, revealed that welding was being done in close proximity to a foam mattress. Flying embers subsequently came into contact with the mattress and ignited.
It was also discovered that there were no fire suppressants (extinguishers) or smoke detectors within the building and that the correct safety measures were not being followed.
The entire building and its contents were destroyed as a result of the fire.
The Guyana Fire Service urged citizens to be mindful of fire prevention methods, be equipped with fire suppressants, and exercise caution within homes and businesses.
The GFS thanked the Guyana Police Force for its support and assistance during the conflagration.
