Fire last evening damaged a two-storey South Ruimveldt home after the generator reportedly overheated, leaving four persons homeless.
The fire which started at minutes after seven when the generator was turned on quickly razed the backroom and part of the landlady’s quarters on the bottom flat. The house situated at 453 Aubrey Barker Road was occupied by a University of Guyana student Janine Blair, Burrowes School of Art final year student Alicia Phillips and Claire Crick. The trio rented rooms on the upper floor while the landlady resided below.
According to Phillips, she and Blair were on the steps when the lights went out. She stated that she learnt that the landlady went to put on the generator and she later heard her calling for the security guard to bring water. She added that they did not know anything was amiss until she went upstairs and saw the smoke. Phillips, who was in tears, stated that she lost all her belongings, her artwork, textbooks, certificates and clothes. She stated further that it was the security guard who later shouted out that the house was on fire but it was too late for her to save anything. Blair was also unable to save her belongings. The fire service was called and responded promptly and kept the fire from spreading.
When Stabroek News arrived the fire was out but the firemen were still soaking the generator. The scorched area was not evident from the roadway. The entire upstairs of the home was wet and the backroom and kitchen were completely destroyed. The landlady declined to speak with the media.
A large crowd had gathered and the entire neighbourhood was without electricity.
