QUICK response by East Canje villagers, who formed a bucket brigade, resulted in a major fire being averted on the home of prominent Berbice Attorney-at-law, Mursaline Bacchus; however a nearby wooden cottage was completely destroyed in the blaze on Wednesday.Neighbours said that a lone teenager, known only as Cuffy, lived in the cottage. This newspaper understands that the wooden cottage did not have electricity and according to reports, the lad, who had served a period at the New Opportunity Corps, would entertain friends who would indulge in unacceptable practices.

Deepa Seedel, a vendor, who was plying her trade a short distance away, observed smoke billowing from the building and alerted the wife of Bacchus. Residents formed a bucket brigade, while the Guyana Fire Service was contacted.

At the scene of the fire, Pamela Bacchus told reporters that she was concluding chores with the housekeeper, when she was alerted by persons screaming her name. As a result, she ventured into the verandah where she observed smoke emanating from the side of her home.

“I panicked before calling on persons to assist in keeping the fire away from the house. Despite their efforts, the side of the house was scorched and a few window panes were broken. I then called Mr. Bacchus informing him, before grabbing my dog,” Mrs Bacchus said.

Meanwhile, at the scene also was Chief Justice [ag], Madame Yonette Cummings-Edwards, who had earlier presided over the special full court sitting, which paid tribute to four deceased Attorneys.