The Guyana Fire Service received a call at 18:10 hrs last evening and was alerted of a boat on fire at New Bridge Mahaica, East Coast Demerara. Water tender #94 from the Mahaica Fire Station responded to the scene where firefighters found a wooden fishing boat on fire.
Firefighters sprung into action and were able to extinguish the blaze by using an open water source. Preliminary investigations revealed that the fire was a result of a lighted stove left unattended, which ignited nearby combustible materials and spread to the entire boat.
The boat and its contents were completely destroyed and two persons suffered injuries as a result of the fire.
On June 26, 2021, a similar incident at a wharf located at Lot 1213 Friendship , EBD led to three persons tragically losing their lives.
In light of these incidents, the Guyana Fire Service is appealing to boat operators and crew to follow safety protocols and take the necessary precautions to avoid the occurrence of a fire.
Below are tips to ensure fire safety on boats:
– Install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to alert occupants of a fire.
– Have an emergency plan in case of a fire.
– Turn off stove when leaving the boat or going to sleep.
– Inspect electrical wiring, connections, cords and battery-charging equipment to ensure they are installed properly and in good condition.
– Have the appropriate fire extinguishers and make sure they are easily accessible. Train all boaters on how to use them.
– Ensure cooling and exhaust systems are working properly.
– Use only certified chargers for personal electronic devices and do not overload electrical outlets.
