The Guyana Fire Service is urging citizens to “be vigilant, exercise caution, and practice fire safety and prevention to avoid house fires.” In a press release today, the Guyana Fire Service stated that it continues to battle numerous fires daily and is urging citizens to take the necessary steps to prevent house fires.
The press release from the GFS came a day after two fires in the city left several people homeless. A building at Lot 126 ‘C’ Field Sophia was destroyed completely. The building was occupied by 39-year-old Latoya Alexander and her three family members. When firefighters arrived at the scene the building was completely engulfed in flames.
According to the GFS, the fire was caused by” an overloaded electrical circuit, which resulted in arcing and sparking and the subsequent ignition of nearby combustible materials”
Meanwhile, at around 14:37 hrs firefighters also responded to a house fire at Lot 480 Kiskadee Drive South Ruimveldt Gardens, Georgetown. The two-storey wooden and concrete building which was home to five persons was owned by 46-year-old Abigail Lynch. The fire occurred as a result of a child “playing with a lighter which led to naked flames coming into contact with an exercise book. The book fell and ignited nearby combustible materials”.
Moreover, the building located next to the house where the fire originated suffered minor damage to its gutters as a result of radiated heat.
As a result of these fires, the GFS reiterated its call to homeowners to equip homes with fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and fire alarms. It also urged parents and guardians to” keep children away from the cooking area, and ensure matches and lighters are out of their reach at all times.”