Fire, which may have been caused by a laptop computer left on a bed, destroyed a section of a newly constructed house in Linden on Sunday night, leaving two brothers counting their losses.
Horton and Jose Hamilton, both popular taxi drivers in Linden were out working around 9.30 pm when they both received calls that their 655 Industrial Area, Mackenzie, Linden home was on fire.
Horton, who owns the property, said he suspected that the fire may have been caused by a laptop computer which was left on the bed.
He said when he arrived on the scene neighbours had already formed a bucket brigade and were dousing the flames. The local fire service also responded promptly and was instrumental in saving the other sections of the house.
The contents of the bedroom occupied by the younger brother Jose were completely destroyed, including the laptop, a bed, a fridge and other items.
The house also served as a taxi base and Horton said he had picked up the dispatcher approximately one hour before the tragic incident. He was unable to estimate his losses, but said he was particularly grateful to neighbours who responded promptly.
He was high in praise of a young boy, who was the first to spot heavy smoke coming from the bedroom window and raised an alarm.
The boy said he was at home and heard what sounded like bottles breaking. Upon investigation he noticed the heavy smoke and fire coming out of the back and side of the house where the bedroom was.
Horton resides overseas and would return to Guyana periodically.
He commenced construction of the house two years ago and had completed the exterior. He was focusing on finishing the interior works.
