Fire of unknown origin completely destroyed a building in Kwakwani on Wednesday and the Guyana Fire Service has denied reports that they responded without water in their tender.
In a statement on Thursday, the Guyana Fire Service said it received report of a fire on Kwakwani Main Road at 12:11pm on Wednesday, April 20, 2022, and responded with Water Tender # 69 from the Kwakwani Regional Democratic Council.
“Upon arrival, firefighters saw the one flat wooden structure which was owned by Mr. Inshally Bacchus and was used as a living quarters for staff engulfed in flames,” the Fire Service reported.
It said due to the blaze, the building was completely destroyed leaving its 12 occupants homeless.
“Investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the fire. The Divisional Officer and the Maintenance Officer are en route to the Kwakwani location to aid in the investigation,” it assured.
However, the Fire Service refuted claims at no time did the fire tender turned up on the scene with no water.
“The Guyana Fire Service Water Tender #69 arrived at the location with water, however, based on the initial assessment made by the first arriving firefighters there was a need for a copious amount of water given this situation of a building on fire. In such cases, assistance is rendered from an open water source in order to extinguish the fire,” it explained.
It related that one jet working from Water Tender # 69 from a nearby open canal extinguished the fire.
It used the opportunity to commend the residents for their swift action which assisted in saving Bacchus’ home which is located next to the living quarters.
The Guyana Fire Service is recommending the installation of smoke detectors and the use of fire extinguishers in homes and businesses so that persons can be prepared and alerted in the event of a fire
