The Guyana Fire Service (GFS) has determined that the fire at the West Ruimveldt Primary school on Wednesday morning was caused by slack connections of electrical wires.
According to the GFS, this resulted in the arcing and sparking of the electrical wires on the utility pole. It is reported that Guyana Power and Light personnel are engaged in repairs.
A source close to the school told Stabroek News that persons were standing on the landing outside of the Headmistress’ office when they realised that the electrical connection that was located on the wall outside of the building had burst into flames. The headmistress immediately turned off the main switch and evacuated the children. The fire was then put out.
Subsequently, the GFS and the Ministry of Education were called in and immediate actions were taken to ascertain what happened.
Up to yesterday, the electricity supply to the building had not been fully restored, but this will happen as soon as GPL installs a transformer. It was reported that this is the fourth fire scare that has occurred on the school premises. Previously, fire caught in the conference room inside the building, but it was successfully put out.
