Fires at two separate locations yesterday have left nine people homeless and in a disturbing development, at one of the fire scenes, firefighters were assaulted by residents while going about their duties.
According to a press release from the Guyana Fire Service, the assault occurred at Andyville Housing Scheme in Linden, where a building owned and occupied by 50-year-old Colin Bruce and 40-year-old Sonita Peters, was completely destroyed by fire.
The release said the Fire Service was alerted about this fire around 11:49 hrs and firefighters from the Linden Fire Station, along with Water Tender #99 and Water Carrier #12, responded. The first unit arrived on the scene at 12:37 hrs.
At that time the one-flat wooden and concrete building was fully engulfed in flames and smoke. To combat the blaze, one jet from Water Carrier #12 tank supply was effectively utilised, the release said.
“Regrettably, during the incident, our firefighting personnel faced assault from residents on the scene. Such actions are strongly condemned, and the matter has been reported to the police,” the release said.
It stressed that it was important to understand that the Guyana Fire Service was committed to safeguarding lives and properties from fire devastation. “Our personnel should not be targeted when working to control flames and prevent further destruction,” it added.
The release added that blame for negligence or fire consequences should not be placed on the service’s ranks, who are dedicated to their mission.
It said that the cause of the fire is being investigated.
Meanwhile, at around 12:28 hrs yesterday, the fire service received a call about a fire at Lot 547 Health Centre Street, Zeelugt, East Bank Essequibo.
According to a release, water tenders #81 and #84 from Leonora Fire Station were dispatched, with the first unit arriving at 12:37 hrs carrying 18,738 litres of water. To combat the fire, two jets from Water Tenders #81 and #84 tank supplies were utilised.
The affected structure was a two-storey wooden and concrete building owned by 33-year-old Deoraj Jaggernauth. The ground floor housed Jaggernauth and his family of four, while the first floor was occupied by 34-year-old Felix Lindore, Lorena Lopes, and Fahaliz Valentino.
Unfortunately, the fire resulted in the complete destruction of the building and its contents, the release said.
The cause of the fire was determined to be the overheating of an unrated drop cord, which came into contact with nearby combustible materials.
Additionally, a nearby one-flat wooden and concrete house at Lot 546 Health Centre Street, owned by 45-year-old Parbattie Sewchand which she occupied with 21-year-old Ravishtaa Dass, suffered damage from radiated heat. As a result, 11 metres of PVC guttering were destroyed, the Fire Service said.
