WHAT is suspected to be an electrical fire has completely gutted the upper flat of a two-storey wooden house at Lot 26B Fifth Avenue, Subryanville, Georgetown early yesterday morning.

Owner of the dwelling, Mervyn Butts, told the Guyana Chronicle that he had left home on an errand at about 07:30 hrs and, while returning home, he received a telephone call informing him that his house was engulfed in flames.

When he arrived on the scene, he could only watch as the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) battled the raging flames that were consuming all his worldly possessions.

The man estimated his personal loss, including furniture and household items, at $5M, and his house was valued at about $30M.

The displaced man explained that he had made a cup of coffee before leaving home, but was certain he had turned off the stove, and that it had not been used afterwards. Moreover, the tenant who resided in the lower flat of the building was not at home at the time of the fire.

Guyana Chronicle left Butts contemplating his next move, even as he realized that he had to find alternative accommodation.

He, nevertheless, praised the Guyana Fire Service for its prompt response and valiant action in restricting the damage done by the fire, but disclosed that electrical wires connecting the house to the utility pole had been sparking somewhat on Sunday afternoon.

Meanwhile, his neighbour Jason David told the Chronicle that, at around 07:45 hrs, he was brushing his teeth when he noticed fire amidst thick smoke emanating from the bathroom area of the building next door.

Thinking that Butts was at home, David said he rushed over; but when he could not get into the building, he returned home and raised an alarm even as he summoned the GFS.
Fire Chief Marlon Gentle yesterday said the Fire Service was investigating, but he did not think the fire had started in the kitchen.