A fire on Sunday afternoon has left two persons homeless after completely destroying a wooden dwelling at Johanna Cecelia, Essequibo Coast.
The fire was reported around 17:54 hrs at Lot 29 and ½ of 30, Okou Quarters. The structure involved was a single-flat timber building covered with corrugated metal sheets. Due to the nature of the materials, the fire spread rapidly, engulfing the house within a short period.
According to reports, the Guyana Fire Service from Anna Regina responded to the emergency, logged as Fire Call Number 58.
Firefighters acted swiftly, and as the operation progressed, Light Pump A-5 was also brought into use, drawing water from an open source nearby to assist in containing and eventually extinguishing the blaze.
Despite the coordinated efforts of the fire service, the building was completely destroyed, with all contents lost.
Residents in the area looked on as thick smoke and flames consumed the structure, with some attempting to assist before emergency responders arrived.
The property is owned by the late Vastiti Skeete and was occupied by 69-year-old Gale Dowding and 47-year-old Carlos Dowding. Both occupants managed to escape unharmed but were left with only the clothes on their backs. All their documents were destroyed.
They are now seeking temporary shelter as they come to terms with situation. An investigation is ongoing to determine the cause of the fire.
Meanwhile, residents were urged to remain vigilant and to practice fire safety measures in their homes to prevent similar incidents.