Four-year-old Junior Anderson died in a fierce fire that engulfed his family’s residence yesterday at Lot 88 C Field, Sophia.
The blaze started around 3:45 pm and swiftly consumed the house, trapping Anderson inside. Also present during the blaze were Waveney Anderson (15 years old), Cynthia Anderson (6 years old), and Michael Anderson (11 years old). Parents, Shonette and Nigel Anderson were not at home when the fire started.
According to reports, an anonymous call alerted the Campbellville Fire Station, prompting a swift the arrival of firefighters. Despite their efforts, the intensity of the blaze rendered the structure and its contents completely destroyed.
According to the Guyana Fire Service’s press release, investigations into the tragic incident suggest it was caused by children playing with matches, igniting a mattress and spreading flames throughout the home. During the fire, three children were under the supervision of a 16-year-old who had briefly left them to rest and inadvertently fell asleep. During the assessment done by the GFS, it was discovered that one child could not be located. Charred remains were later found by firefighters after the blaze was brought under control.
In an emotional interview with SN, Fitz Hawker, the grandfather of the deceased and the children in the home, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of Junior Anderson. He also highlighted a critical issue regarding the lack of fire hydrants in the vicinity of their street. “There are none, and there was nothing we could have done until the fire trucks arrived,” lamented Hawker.
The Guyana Fire Service (GFS) said that firefighters arrived on the scene at 16:06 hrs and deployed the first jet at 16:07 hrs. The responding units included Water Tenders #105, #118 and Water Carrier #18 from the Campbellville Fire Station and Fire Service Headquarters along with a total of eleven personnel on site.
In the aftermath of the fire the Guyana Fire Service issues a crucial reminder to parents and guardians on safeguarding against fire hazards.
1. Educating Children: It is essential to educate children about the dangers associated with fire starters like matches and lighters. Teaching them responsible use and ensuring they understand the potential consequences can mitigate risks significantly.
2. Supervision: Never leave children unattended or without adult supervision, especially in environments where fire hazards exist. Proactive supervision can prevent accidents and ensure swift response in emergencies.
3. Kitchen Safety: Keep children away from cooking areas while meals are being prepared. Additionally, store matches and lighters securely out of children’s reach at all times to prevent unauthorized access.
4. Fire Safety Equipment: Equip your home with essential fire prevention and firefighting devices such as smoke detectors and fire extinguishers. Regular maintenance and testing of these devices are crucial to ensure they are operational in case of an emergency.
