A FIRE of unknown origin on Sunday completely destroyed the lower flat of a building that housed a workshop operated by the Demerara Shipping Company and was owned by Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL).

The early-morning blaze occurred at Lot 6-12 Water and Schumaker Streets, Georgetown.

Eyewitness Shane Singh told the Guyana Chronicle that other truck drivers, who were parked near the building, alerted him to the fire around 04:00hrs.

Singh said he rushed to remove his vehicle after hearing loud explosions and almost immediately seeing flames, which quickly engulfed the building.

This publication was told that several vehicles were parked in the compound and that several bottles of propane gas were also being stored there.

Singh stated that firefighters did all they could but were hampered by the explosions.

He disclosed that the building was a two-storey edifice that housed a workshop for servicing/repairing vehicles owned by the company.

Singh related that he along with more than 40 truck drivers would normally be parked in the area, waiting for their load of stockfeed.

He said the firefighters worked quickly to contain the blaze which threatened nearby buildings, most of which are aged. He commended them for their efforts.

Buildings which housed several small businesses and the now-defunct Herman Bholaisingh tailor shop are located nearby. One of the buildings sustained minor damage.

Chief Fire Officer Gregory Wickham could not be reached for a comment. A spokesman for DDL said the fire reportedly started in the generator room of the workshop, but he could not give any other details. He stated that the incident is currently being investigated.

Meanwhile, managers of the company that operated the workshop declined to comment when approached.