A FIRE of unknown origin destroyed a derelict building on Anira Street, Queenstown, Georgetown on Tuesday evening.

However, quick action by the Guyana Fire Service contained the blaze to the derelict structure and later brought it under control in the matter of minutes. Fire Prevention Officer, Andrew Holder, who was at the scene, related that the fire service received a call around 08.49hrs.

He said three fire tenders were immediately dispatched and the firefighters were able to contain the blaze from catching nearby buildings. Holder related that the building was an unoccupied derelict structure which was not powered with electricity. He said someone definitely would have caused the fire. “What we have been noticing in recent times, is that these unoccupied derelict buildings are attraction for vagrants and very often than not, they are involved in careless disposal of cigarette ends” he said.

He shared the concern that derelict buildings are becoming a concern to the fire department. The building was a fully wooden two-storey structure.

Meanwhile, Mayor of Georgetown, Pandit Ubraj Narine, who was also at the scene, said the City Works committee is presently looking at old structures and will soon come up with a policy on how to deal with the issue of derelict buildings. He called for the building inspectors to be more vigilant and report to City Hall on such buildings, so that proactive decisions can be taken. Unconfirmed reports are that the building, which has been frequented by vagrants, was left abandoned for several years. The Guyana Fire Service has launched an investigating into the circumstances surrounding the fire.