Two children, ages three and nine, died in a fire yesterday at Market Street, Belmont, Mahaica.
They have been identified as sisters, Anamika Hardat and Shameena Hardat.
Reports are that the fire started just before 1 pm and the Mahaica Fire Station responded with their fire tenders to a two-storey wooden and concrete building owned by Ayube Mohamed Khan and occupied by 79-year-old Zaman Khan and his family of eleven.
No adult was reportedly at home at the time of the incident to keep an eye on the children, particularly nine-year-old Anamika, who was differently-abled.
Neighbours reported that they heard screams but could do nothing as the fire spread through the entire house very quickly.
By the time the Fire Service was called in, it was too late and for now it remains unclear how the fire started, however, investigations are being carried out by the Fire Prevention Department.
In light of this tragedy, the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) is reminding the public that children should be educated on the dangers of fire starters (matches and lighters) and warned about their use. It was also stressed that children should not be left alone unattended or at home without adult supervision.
The GFS is also urging parents/ guardians to keep children away from the cooking area, and ensure matches and lighters are out of their reach at all times. Further, homes should be equipped with fire prevention and fire-fighting devices such as smoke detectors and fire extinguishers that will aid in being alerted to a fire and putting it out quickly.
