Household Plus, other businesses razed
-water a big problem
For the second time in ten days, a fire swept through a section of Regent Street destroying three buildings which housed four businesses, leaving dozens jobless and consuming millions in stock.
The destroyed buildings: At left is Household Plus while farther down is the Wireless Connections building. The building partially shown at far right is the Bounty supermarket. (Gaulbert Sutherland photo)
The fire started at approximately 3:30 am yesterday when Household Plus erupted in flames before spreading west to the neighbouring buildings which housed Chino Variety Store, Fullworths General Store and Wireless Connections. Another small store named Super Jet was also affected by the fire this newspaper was told. The stretch of buildings is located on the southern side of Regent Street between Cummings Street and Orange Walk.
The origin of yesterday’s fire is unclear but a senior fire officer told this newspaper that the blaze is seen “as a bit suspicious” and that “nothing will be ruled out.” There was no report of a power outage at the time of the fire.
Lined up in a row: Fire tenders, used to battle the Regent Street inferno, on Charlotte Street early yesterday.
Two Fridays ago, a fire which started at Household Electronics, also on Regent Street, completely destroyed three buildings and badly damaged the top flat of another. Initial reports suggest that that fire was electrical in origin. Household Electronics is owned by Shaheed Hamid, whose brother owns Household Plus.
Hamid and other family members were at the scene yesterday morning. The owner of the store, however, was not there at the time. Hamid, when approached, said he did not know much about the fire or about the value of the property lost. When the issue of the fire being “suspicious” was raised, he responded that people could believe and say what they want to and he could not stop them from doing this. He said the insurance company would have to do their investigations. Another relative added that he did not believe the fire was an act of arson.
Items salvaged from the Super Jet store located inside the same building as the Chino Variety Store.
Fire-fighters battled for hours to control the mighty inferno even as a sizeable crowd gathered to watch. Although fire-fighters reportedly arrived promptly, their initial efforts were hampered by the lack of water. The flames, which were fanned by the early morning winds, raged for over three hours before the fire-fighters were able to bring the blaze under control. The efforts by the fire-fighters were not aided by the multiple leaks in the hoses which led to a significant wastage of water.
In the battle to control the blaze, two fire-fighters were injured and had to be taken to the hospital. One was hit in the eyes by flying debris and the other sustained an electric shock. The latter was reportedly shocked when some of the firemen were busy trying to open the generator room at the back of the lower flat of the Wireless Connections Store.
Fire Chief Marlon Gentle, who was on the scene, said he was pleased with the efforts of the service. He said that the Fire Service was notified about the inferno at about 3:45 am and responded promptly and did the best they could in the circumstances. He said when firefighters arrived on the scene, the Household Plus building was fully engulfed. Immediately efforts were concentrated on containing the fire, the Fire Chief said.
The owners and employees of Chino Variety Store consoling each other after the fire destroyed their store. (Mark McGowan photo)
Gentle said that the 4000 gallons of water with which the tenders arrived was not sufficient and subsequently water was sourced from the canals on South Road and North Road. However, about 45 minutes to an hour later, the North Road canal became so silted up; it could not be used, Gentle said.
There were other issues that hampered fire-fighting efforts and these included traffic and the frenzied effort by owners to evacuate their goods- thereby cluttering the area with vehicles, the Fire Chief explained. He pointed out that apart from being the sales outlets, the buildings also served as storage bonds and the “fuel load… was tremendous”. The high security features in the buildings posed challenges in terms of firefighters breaking into the buildings to fight the flames. The early morning winds also fanned the flames the Fire Chief said and added that there were a number of explosions within the buildings.
Suspicions have been raised about the possible causes of recent fires and Gentle said the possible cause of this one is “open” and some issues have to be made clear before there is a pronouncement. He said that investigations are ongoing into the other fire.
No water: A fireman stands with a limp hose as the fire consumes Household Plus. (Tarick Pertab photo)
Speaking on the limited space between many buildings, the Fire Chief said that buildings close together are always an issue. He stated that they would like to see anything that would prevent fire spreading.
Water
In response to concerns raised about the lack of water when the Fire Service arrives at a fire scene, Gentle pointed out that the tenders are for immediate deployment with the idea that water would be available at the spot. He noted that the Fire Service deployed three categories of tenders; one that carries 2000 gallons of water which would last for about five minutes; another that fetches 1000 gallons; and the 400 gallons tender. The water would last depending on how fast the water is pumped.
He said that while hydrants are a great help in fighting fires, for them to be effective they needed to provide large volumes at high pressure.
However, even as Gentle was full of praise for his workers, residents and some of the victims of the fire were not satisfied with the efforts of the fire officers. Tularam Lall, who lives on Charlotte Street directly behind Household Plus, said that if the fire service had enough water, the blaze could have been contained much earlier. The man said although the firemen arrived fairly promptly “water was the problem” and they couldn’t contain the blaze. He said while the firemen came with their water, this soon ran out leaving the fire officers in a quandary. According to him, his wife was up cooking sometime after 3 am when she heard a noise coming from the store. She then observed smoke issuing from the store and immediately informed the fire station, he said.
Another resident, Assad Hassan also lamented the absence of a proper water supply. He said he was in his bed when he was told of the fire. According to him, they could have saved the other buildings had the fire engines been equipped with adequate water.
Sadika Vieira, the owner of the two buildings which housed Chino Variety Store, Fullworths General Store and Wireless Connections, was displeased with the efforts of the fire service. The woman did not feel that the fire service was adequately equipped to effectively tackle the inferno.
The woman said that the fire would have led to substantial losses to her family even as she disclosed that the buildings were partially insured.
Proprietor of Wireless Connection Maxwell Thom told reporters yesterday that despite their best efforts they were only able to save stock from the ground floor of the building before the fire engulfed the top flat of the store. The upper flat served as a bond. Thom said that fortunately he was able to remove a few truck loads of items from the store, even as he lamented his losses and the fact that his stock was not insured.
Thom has been operating at his 130 Regent Street location for the last four years and this is one of three branches of the store he manages. He said the store had about 20 employees and with the fire he would have to let go of some of them. The man, who demonstrated great emotional strength throughout the ordeal, later broke down in tears and had to be consoled by relatives.
The owners of Chino Variety Store were also on the scene and they seemed to be affected by the blaze. When this newspaper approached them for comment, they said that they did not speak English. However, this newspaper understands that some of their stock was insured.
Showdown
Meanwhile, even as police officers tried their best to safeguard against potential looters one incident sparked a showdown between a fire officer and the police. A mini uproar occurred when a police officer on the scene dealt a fire officer, who was dressed in civilian clothes, two blows with a baton in the mistaken belief that he was trying to loot the businesses. The fireman, who is reportedly undergoing training, was riding a bicycle in the barricaded area when the police officer approached him and dealt him the blows, one of which connected to the man’s head. (Additional reporting by Gaulbert Sutherland)
Advice to all the business men and women who own stores on Regent Street….If your building is on fire just give up because it makes no sense depending on the fire service because your building will burn flat to the ground anyway.
Isn’t it time for those “Building Codes” in Georgetown; and, Guyana on the whole to changed “SandHurst First”!!! Imagine the U. S. Military continuing the “push” in Afghanistan without improved fighting vehicles – the ones that will withstand the IEDs. Guyana has plenty of “clay” for the manufacture of “clay bricks”; and, mine (when it is built) is going to be out of refractory bricks made from bauxite.
Are Guyana Defense Force (GDF) soldiers trained in Fire Fighting….
That’s a good ploy…make it appear as if it is suspicious. Folks, this is how mystery plot are developed. Mo fiya, slo fiya is getting very complex now…for some.
With all the goings on… an even better idea would be to aim for a shift in the location of the capital along with the changed “Building Codes”; and, here is why:
Re: “Maldives sends climate SOS with undersea cabinet”
Also: “MALE (Reuters) – The Maldivian president and ministers held the world’s first underwater cabinet meeting yesterday, in a symbolic cry for help over rising sea levels that threaten the tropical archipelago’s existence.
Aiming for another attention-grabbing event to bring the risks of climate change into relief before a landmark UN climate change meeting in December, President Mohamed Nasheed’s cabinet headed to the bottom of a turquoise lagoon.
Clad in black diving suits and masks, Nasheed, 11 ministers the vice president and cabinet secretary dove 3.8 metres (12 feet, 8 inches) to gather at tables under the crystalline waters that draw thousands of tourists to $1,000-a-night luxury resorts….”
http://www.stabroeknews.com/2009/world/10/18/maldives-sends-climate-sos-with-undersea-cabinet/
And, the big question is – who is to say Georgetown and Guyana’s Atlantic coastline (being below sea-level at high tides) will not be undersea one day!!!
Sandman, the fire department did their job to extinguish the fire. What they have not done was inspect those businesses to determine what materials were stored and if those materials confirmed to safety standards. The picture I get after reading this story is one in which every business used every available space to wharehouse their merchandise, consequently creating fire hazards. I wonder how often these businesses/storehouses/bonds are inspected by the fire department? How many infractions were discovered and how many were prosecuted? How often are fire hydrants inspected for operational effectiveness? After the fire previous to this one, did the fire department inspect the Water street hydrants? Wait until it happens again then complain about not having enough water or inadequate pressure. Christmas is fast approaching and guess what? Water street places of business will again use their businesses as bonds/wharehouses creating fire hazards. ISNM
One can never give up. Not when everything, everypart of one’s being is dedicated into a legitimate business. The sacrifice one makes – self, family, the well being and care for employees!!
To exist between the robberies, vandalisms, damages done to electrical equipments, [with no recourse], power-shortages, water shortages,…!!
Giving up is not a business’s man mantra!
Hey “Ulric”! Re: “I wonder how often these businesses/storehouses/bonds are inspected by the fire department? How many infractions were discovered and how many were prosecuted? How often are fire hydrants inspected for operational effectiveness?…”
Are you quite sure that you have not left of the “inspections” (and, the “prosecutions” to follow in cases of “violations) by the “Department of Occupational Safety and Health” (which ever Guyana Government Ministry this now falls under) to help safeguard the workplace safety and health of workers in Guyana.
Go check out the Laws of Guyana and see where the “buck” stops.
BTW, “Go check out the Laws of Guyana and see where the “buck” stops….”
It’s called the “FACTORIES ACT”!
And, it just shows that some people in Guyana have not been doing their jobs properly. It is either they know what they are doing or they don’t. Which is it!!!
Former Snr. Occupational Safety and Health Officer.
The same refrain is heard after almost every fire, “insufficient water”. Now we have fire trucks but no water and non-functional fire hydrants. Since Georgetown has the smell of the worst rum shop urinal because of constant watering of its lawns by its mainly male citizens, the mayor should conscript them to relieve the water shortage.
Ha, ha, ha!!!
One has to wonder with these two fire back to back his it fraud taking place … the fire department and the police should gadder the evidence on these fires .
Lets not point fingers, give time for proper investigations to be done. Being someone who worked in the insurance industry for a number of years no company will pay unless proper investiation is done. Additionally, the reinsurers who may be from Trinidad or England will not pay their portion unless they too are satisfied. So if fires are deliberately set, it has to be done in such a way where modern technology cannot detect such actions. Remember its not only the Guyana fire service who will investigate, the reinsurers will most likely do their own investigation.
“Me is so happy, happy, happy. HAPPY ! More mayhem and destruction…This uncaring government dem is got to go. IS GOT TO GO, I SAY !..Me so happy,ha……” (In quotes , get it folks ?)
Reddy, yah country gone mad…get it. A total breakdown in civil society, that’s Guyana. No morals, sheer corruption and fraud. Everyone is taking the cue from yah crooked government.
WELL SAID ,Decoder , WELL SAID . Reddy aka Norman enjoying the good life here in Barbados while the inept PPP govt ruin Guyana . Reddy is the pee pee pee mouth-piece in Barbados yet he is making fun at a serious matter . These fires will put more guyanese workers on the bread-line . Never-the-less , Reddy is happy , happy , happy .
Finally red rover has seen the light, there is a god after all, get it folks get it in coats get it?
I like how the GC reported the water shortage without using those words: “the Fire Service, in addition to fiercely fighting the burning building, concentrated their energies and scarce water resources on dousing Kayum’s Jewellery.” Very skillful indeed. Then this gem by the reporter: “Ironically a fire hydrant opposite the scene of the fire … proved to be nothing more than a white elephant.”
MXQBH,Who is really this M Hacket?You?
Yes, of course, it is I: M. Xiu Quan-Balgobind-Hackett, as most bloggers and blahggers know. Too long to spell. BTW RHT’s empty fire station still awaits a fire tender.
MXQ, why make reference to RHT fire station not having a fire truck? It is my understanding that bucket brigades work well in RHT. Just be sure that the buckets are not made in a certain Asian country. ISNM
Ulric, the ‘mis’ is missing from your understanding. Read the reports in SN, KN and GC about the recent RHT fire. Plus many other fires over the years. Then we have a fire station without a fire engine!
In a land of many river and water it’s a shame that the gfs couldn’t get enough water to out this fire.
amen ra what about de gpf..right opposite kitty police station the butcher shop got break into.a call immediatley went to kitty police station..police seh dem ent gat vehicle to come quick….87….ehehehehehehehehe
but om look like guyana gat mo fiah dan wata dese days…
could it be drought? ehehehehehe
It’s more or less water, water everywhere and not to fight the fires. One reason why I had said earlier in a comment that the trenches should be converted into underground tunnels and the water stored underground and pumped out when it rains heavily.
Ships in the ocean catch on fire and burn down.
“C SINGH” a ship can’t burn down buddy…it will burn and SINK!!!
Re: “Ships in the ocean catch on fire and burn down….”
So, which U. S. Aircraft Carrier does not have “expertly trained fire-fighting” naval personnel aboard!!!
Is this another lame excuse for an inept Guyana government which also lacks foresight. But then again, there is only so much having “boy scouts” (for an army) can do. What if there were “terrorists” (home grown as well as foreign), riots…. in Guyana. Then the entire city can easily be flattened.
land of many waters but none at fire time what a shame on the government after 17 years in government excuses and more excuses
Where are the opposition forces when you need them to fight these fires?
…just thought I would throw that inane comment in there like you did yours.
This has happened once too often – where is the water? The only good thing out of this is that no life was lost. I suppose if the stor owners should install sprinklers, they would have the same issue of insufficient water. Wow!!!!
There should be a standard distance for fire hydrons in the city.Nobody appears to know this distance.Someone in the Building Department should use their brain if they have one,and secure copies of the 2006-07 South Florida Building Code, The International Building Code,Plumbing, Electrical (NEC Code), Mechanaical,Fuel and Gas codes, ADA codes(disabilities), FHA codes (Fair Housing Act),Fire and Life Safety.These codes are applicable in the Caribbean, so I cannot see why they will not be adequate for Guyana.
this useless ppp govt. dont know how to run a country , they are
immune to embarrasment,screw ups, nothing dont bother them at all
they are secure as leaders for life thanks to their blind supporters at home and abroad, failure after failure it”s all
about power ,when will they fix the hydrants so these brave firemen/boys can effectivly fight these fires in g/town, when will
gwi get their act together and have a constant flow of water to people’s home ,showing off reconditioned firetrucks to the
people of guyana and the diaspora as a photo-op ,soliciting drug
barons as crime fighters, what next failure this ppp regime have
in store for guyanese?? may the better man prevail at the next general elections come 2011 , get up stand up , stand up for your
rights my guyanese sisters and brothers….
speak to the mayor, he collect the property tax.
bias to the core.
freespeech, you and your people never knew it was this hard to run a country. you think it is a cake shop dem running….ehehehehehe…it bunning u man.
LAND OF MANY WATERS AMAZING!!!
FISHY, ..TOO MUCH COINCIDENCE,…SEEMS LIKE ,NOT ONLY LAND OF MANY WATERS, BUT MANY ARSONISTS TOO,… security forces must take a very close look at these incidents,.. . similarly, the many recently reported incidents of ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTIONS, AT THE VARIOUS POWER PLANTS,…STRANGE THERE SEEMS LESS AVAILABLE POWER NOW, ALTHOUGH TONS OF MONEY AND NEW POWER INTALLATIONS WERE INVESTED IN OVER RECENT YEARS…,.CLOSE EXAMINATION IS NOW REQUIRED, TO see whether the INTELLECTUAL AUTHORS” have changed their mode of attack in their pursuit of DESTABILIZATION,…a dilligent approach to intelligence gathering must be advanced within the power generating sector to identify any “fifth columnists” operating within or without…THIS MAY NOT BE SO, but we should not overlook the potential for mischief by, these misguided elements…