A FIRE of unknown origin destroyed three buildings at the Eteringbang Landing, Upper Cuyuni River, Region 7 on Sunday.

According to the Guyana Fire Service (GFS), the fire occurred at around 03:00hrs on Sunday, resulting in the destruction of three wooding buildings.

It was disclosed that Raimundo Lucio Dos Anjos Oliveira, a 52-year-old mixed-race Brazilian national residing at Eteringbang Landing, claimed he noticed the fire erupting from the circuit board area of his two-storey building, which consisted of a total of 10 rooms.

Oliveira attempted to extinguish the flames with water, but this proved to be futile as the fire quickly spiraled out of control, engulfing his building and two other abandoned structures nearby.

The brave efforts of Oliveira, along with community members who rallied with water pumps, contained the fire from spreading to additional buildings. Fortunately, there were no reports of casualties.

At this time, the estimated value of the damage remains unknown. The authorities are actively investigating the cause of the fire.

The GFS, in an effort to educate the general public on ways they can combat electrical fires, has provided tips on what to do if an electrical fire occurs. They advise persons to keep calm and avoid panic; safely turn off the power supply to the affected area, if possible, and if a suitable fire extinguisher is available, use it from a safe distance.

According to the GFS, water should never be used on an electrical fire.

“If the fire is spreading, or you can’t control it, evacuate immediately. Call for help by dialing 912 to report the fire; never use water on an electrical fire, as it can worsen the situation, and allow trained firefighters to handle the situation. Do not re-enter the area until it is declared safe,” it added.