Initial investigations by the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) into yesterday’s devastating fire in Albouystown point to illegal power connections as the cause of the blaze.
The GFS is currently probing the incident, with Divisional Officer of Operations, Otis Charles, indicating that their preliminary findings suggest the fire originated from illegal power connections.
Charles stated in a telephone interview with NCN News that there were numerous unauthorized electrical hookups within the affected block.
These illicit connections likely led to loose wiring, resulting in arcing and sparking that ignited the fire.
According to Otis Charles, upon arrival at the scene, one of the buildings was already fully engulfed in flames.
Firefighters swiftly went into action, containing the blaze to prevent it from spreading further.
Despite their efforts, two homes were ultimately consumed by the fire, leaving nine individuals homeless, including two elderly persons.
Among those displaced by the fire is John Beaton, who resided in the house where the fire originated, along with eighty-seven-year-old Ethleen Beaton and seven others who lived in the adjacent property.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by illegal electrical connections and underscores the need for proper safety measures and adherence to building codes and regulations.
By Nakasia Logan