By Nafeeza Yahya

A FIRE believed to be electrical in origin completely destroyed a two-storey wooden structure, leaving a family of five homeless and over $4m in losses. The Guyana Chronicle understands that the inferno began around 20:30hrs on Wednesday at the home of the Dauroop’s family at Lot 2 Number 69 Village, East Berbice-Corentyne.
Seokumarie Dauroop, 58, Called ‘Lynette,’ said she was downstairs in her hammock with other family members when they noticed smoke coming from the upper flat.
“My son was here too and he start holler fire! fire! He got up and go upstairs and try to throw some water on it, but it was getting too much smoke and by time we try to throw more water the fire get bigger. It start in the middle room where the main switch and fuse box does be,” she said.
Dauroop explained that the fire service was informed, however, they arrived on the scene some 30 minutes later, reportedly with a limited supply of water.
“The whole kitchen could have save, the kitchen was downstairs. When they come, no water; they went look for water fuh out it lil bit and go look for water again. If they had enough water the kitchen could have save cause it had most of the valuable stuff in there.”
The visibly emotional woman explained that over the year, she and her husband worked hard to achieve the comfort they had in their home.
“To lose all this in minutes is very heartbreaking,” the distraught woman said. As the Dauroop’s family contemplate their next move, a neighbour has opened its doors to the family since they have nowhere to go.
Her husband, 63, daughter, 19, and two grandkids- ages 2 and 4 -are currently with the neighbour. Meanwhile, the family is calling on the public for assistance. Anyone desirous of making a donation can contact 338-4227 or 622-8348.