A fire of unknown origin has wreaked havoc in Corriverton, Berbice, destroying an upholstery shop and causing significant damage to a nearby hotel.
The incident, which occurred just after 09:00, has left the proprietors of three businesses facing substantial financial losses.
The upholstery shop, operated by 54-year-old Mahendra Persaud, reportedly caught fire in the lower flat.
Persaud, who was inside the building at the time, detected the smell of smoke and discovered flames in a storage room.
Despite attempting to extinguish the fire, it rapidly spread throughout the old two-storey wooden structure.
Persaud managed to save two machines but incurred losses exceeding $4 million in tools and other materials.
Expressing his concerns, he mentioned that he might need to find another location or rent space for his business.
Additionally, he highlighted the challenge of addressing a burned-out vehicle brought in by a customer from Georgetown.
Kamaldai Ootra, owner of the Ritz Hotel, Restaurant, and Bar, shared her experience of being alerted by her granddaughter to smoke in the building.
Upon investigation, she observed the nearby building engulfed in flames, which swiftly spread to her establishment.
Ootra expressed gratitude that the fire service responded in time to save her building.
Mayor of Corriverton, Imran Amin, who was present at the scene, mentioned ongoing efforts to introduce an additional fire tender and install more fire hydrants in the area.
The incident underscores the challenges and losses faced by local businesses due to unforeseen disasters, emphasizing the importance of effective emergency response measures.