FIVE persons are now homeless after a fire of unknown origin gutted a two-storey building at Lot 103 River Dam, Charity, on Thursday.

The property’s owner 53-year-old Heimchandra Narine lived with his four family members in the upper flat, while 22-year-old Siyi Zheng operated a supermarket in the lower flat.

According to Siyi, the fire which is believed to have started at the back of the supermarket, quickly spread.

Four fire officers and seven firemen responded promptly to the scene, with two firefighting appliances and a light pump (#5). They managed to contain the inferno to the building of origin, preventing it from spreading to nearby structures.

The destroyed building was constructed of wood and concrete with a corrugated metal sheet roof.

While no injuries were reported. Investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the fire.