Seven persons are now homeless after a fire at `B’ Field Sophia yesterday morning said to be caused by faulty wiring.
The Guyana Fire Service (GFS) said in a press release that at approximately 4.37 am yesterday, the Fire Service received a call and was alerted to a fire at Lot 480, ‘B’ Field Sophia, Greater Georgetown.
Water Tenders #85, #105, Water Carrier #14, Ambulance #18, and eighteen personnel were immediately dispatched to the location.
The structure involved was a two-storey wooden and concrete building owned by 59-year-old Elroy Trotman.
The GFS said that the first floor of the building was occupied by the owner and his family of four, while the ground floor was occupied by 42-year-old Shabana Jamboo and 47-year-old Rickford Tobin.
As a result of the fire, the building and its contents were destroyed, leaving all seven occupants homeless.
Additionally, two houses and three vehicles in close proximity to the building of origin were damaged due to radiated heat, the release said.
The fire started after faulty electrical wiring overheated, which led to a breakdown of the installation, resulting in arcing and sparking and the subsequent ignition of nearby combustible materials, the GFS added.
Two jets working from a tank supply in conjunction with Light Pump #129 via an open water source were used to extinguish the fire.
The Guyana Fire Service is urging citizens to be vigilant and practice fire safety and prevention during the holiday season.
It urged that all fires be reported as soon as they occur by calling 912.
