The Guyana Fire Service is currently investigating the circumstances that led to a devastating fire at the Parika Market Complex, East Bank Essequibo on Friday afternoon.
The service said it was alerted to the fire at around 15:14hrs. It immediately dispatched five water tenders, one water bowser, and two support vehicles from the Leonora, La Grange, Eccles, Campbellville, Central, and West Ruimveldt fire stations.
Firefighters began their operation by utilizing tank supplies, after which they used an open water source (Essequibo River).
Preliminary investigations have revealed that construction workers who were in the process of rebuilding the market were conducting welding when sparks (flux) came into contact with nearby combustible materials, which ignited.
The building and its contents were severely damaged by the time the fire was extinguished.
