THE Guyana Fire Service is probing the cause of a fire which destroyed the Castle Hotel at lot 12 Chapel Street, New Amsterdam, on Wednesday afternoon.

According to information from the Guyana Fire Service, the property was owned by 60-year-old Errol Azar, a resident of the United States.

The structure was a three-storey wooden and concrete building, which has suffered severe damage, leaving the ground floor of the building (utilised as a club and lounge), and the first and second floors, serving as a hotel, heavily impacted.

According to the Fire Service, it responded to a distress call at 16:37 that afternoon. Two minutes later, fire service officers arrived at the scene and the first jet deployed at 16:40 hrs.

On arrival, Water Tenders #87 and #74 were deployed to fight the blaze, led by Divisional Officer Harry and Section Leader Hope alongside eight other personnel.

In addition, four jets from Water Tender #74, light pumps #93 and #105, along with assistance from an estate Land Rover, were instrumental in extinguishing the blaze, using hydrants in the vicinity.

With a rapid response and coordinated efforts, the Guyana Fire Service contained the fire, preventing further escalation and safeguarding the surrounding area.

The Fire Service remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of citizens and properties across the country.