At approximately 10:24hrs today, the Guyana Fire Service received a report of a building fire at Block X Plum Park, Sophia, Greater Georgetown. The affected two-storey wooden and concrete structure, owned by the Government of Guyana and occupied by the Ministry of Human Services & Social Security (MHS&SS) sustained significant damage. The top floor, which served as living quarters, was severely damaged by the flames, while the ground floor, used for storage, suffered extensive water damage.
The responding fire units included Water Tender #118, Water Tender #95, Water Carrier #18, and Hydraulic Platform 2. Personnel on site comprised Divisional Officer Charles, Sub Officer Jackson, Sub Officer Scipio, Leading Fireman Dickenson, Leading Fireman Nurse, and eight additional firefighters. The teams arrived at the scene at 10:34 AM, and the first jet of water was deployed at 10:35 AM, utilizing a total of 10,978 liters of water.
Upon arrival, firefighters observed that the northwestern side of the top floor was engulfed in flames and smoke. Despite their efforts, the top floor was heavily damaged, and the ground floor incurred significant water damage.
Fortunately, no individuals were rendered homeless due to the incident, and there were no injuries or casualties reported.
The fire is believed to have been caused by faulty electrical wiring installation, which resulted in arcing and sparking, subsequently igniting nearby combustible materials. The method of extinguishing the fire involved three jets operating from Water Tender #118, with a subsequent water relay from LP#A07 utilizing an open water source.
The Guyana Fire Service commends the responding teams for their efforts in containing and extinguishing the blaze.
