-four left homeless
FOUR persons on Saturday evening were left homeless and a business place out of service after fire gutted the two storey building at lot 18 Durban Street, Wortmanville Georgetown. According to owner of OD’s Fish Shop located in the lower flat of the building, Odetta Fogenay, she was in the store when she received a call saying that smoke was being smelt, however, it could not be detected.

By the time her husband Rawle Thomas had noticed fire in the upper flat it was too late.

The fire is reported to have occurred around 20:39 hrs, and eyewitnesses said that a loud explosion was heard during the blaze, further fuelling it.

Eyewitnesses also stated that the fire fighters arrived at the scene very fast but the fire quickly engulfed the home, leaving them to fight tirelessly to save the house next door which was slightly scorched.

It was reported that the fire begun at the top flat of the building which was occupied by Jimmy Chow and his family, then it spread to the bottom flat which was the fish shop and beer garden.

Neighbours pointed out that they had noticed an orange light coming from through the window after which they immediately raised the alarm of possible fire.

Reports stated that Chow was at another premise some three corners away when he was informed that his home was on fire.

He told reporters that his fear was confirmed when he arrived at his home just to see nothing but the blaze.
Chow and his family is said to have suffered greatly.

Chief Fire Officer Marlon Gentle commended his ranks for preventing the blaze from spreading to nearby properties. (WHITNEY PERSAUD)