THE Guyana Fire Service, on Tuesday, responded to a call regarding a fire outbreak at Lot 6 East Half Section ‘A’, Golden Grove, East Coast Demerara.

According to a press release from the Guyana Fire Service, water carrier #18 from Melanie Fire Station, water tender #106 from Mahaica Fire Station, and ambulance #21, along with their crews, were immediately dispatched to the location, carrying 7950 liters of water. The first tender arrived on the scene at 04:33 hours.

Upon arrival, firefighters found a two-storey wooden and concrete building engulfed in flames.
The building, owned by 43-year-old Chinese National Cheliezhu (only name given), of Lot 3 Railway Embankment, Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara, and utilised as a supermarket, was completely destroyed as a result of the fire.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by fire prevention officials and the police.
Firefighting efforts involved the deployment of two jets operating from water carrier #18 and water tender #106 tank supplies, followed by the subsequent use of an open water source to extinguish the blaze.

Additionally, an adjacent building located on the western side of the building of origin sustained damages due to radiated heat from the fire.
This wooden and concrete building, which is utilised as a private dwelling, experienced minimal damage, including the loss of three metres of louvers window and slight scorching on the eastern side of the top floor external wall.

The Fire Service emphasised the importance of equipping homes and businesses with fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, smoke alarms and sprinkler systems. Unfortunately, at the time of the fire, there were no fire suppression systems in place at the establishment.
Citizens are continually encouraged to take necessary precautions and practice fire safety and prevention measures.