A fire of unknown origin claimed the lives of a man and his two children yes-terday morning at Lot 8 Drysdale Street, Charles-town, Georgetown.
Fire Chief Gregory Wickham told Stabroek News that the burnt remains of 40 year-old Michael Richards and his daughter Somaya Richards, 6, and son Supreme Richards, 4, were removed from the scene.
The Guyana Fire Service (GFS) stated that it is investigating the circum-stances that led to the early morning blaze. It said that it received a report at approximately 6:45 am yesterday, alerting it about the fire.
The structure involved was a two-storey wooden and concrete building which was severely damaged by the time the fire was extinguished.
According to the GFS, three water tenders, one water carrier, two ambulances and a hydraulic platform from the Central Fire Station, Alberttown, Campbellville, West Ruimveldt, and Fire Service Headquarters, were dis-patched to the location. They arrived at the scene at 6:48 am and firefighting operations began at approximately 6:50 am.
In the wake of the fire, the GFS is urging citizens to exercise caution and follow safety measures to avoid house fires. Homes should be equipped with fire prevention and firefighting devices such as smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, or buckets of sand.
Citizens were also urged to desist from using illegal electrical connec-tions which pose many hazards in the home and are a leading cause of electrical fires.
Additionally, while grillwork provides homes and businesses with security, it is advised that there be an evacuation plan in place or a clear form of exit to be used in the event of a fire or emergency.
