Residents of Thomas Street, Kitty last night averted what could have been a major disaster after a mentally challenged woman started a fire in a dilapidated structure.
Stabroek News arrived at Lot 96 Thomas Street around 8.30 pm, about 20 minutes after the fire was first spotted. By then the flames had already been extinguished by the fire service with the help of residents.
One resident said that the vagrant, who is a nuisance in the community, especially at night, heaped paper, cloth and other material on the floor of the top storey of the vacant building and started a fire.
The man said residents immediately formed a bucket brigade and contacted fire officials.
He said the only damage done was to the floor, noting that if it had spread nearby buildings would have been in danger. He pointed out that the houses in that area are close together.
Other residents noted that the building which is old and covered with weeds needs to be dismantled.
