Fire service quickly quells fire at chowmein factory

Quick action by members of the Guyana Fire Service yesterday averted a major disaster at the Beharry Chowmein factory, Industrial Site, Ruimveldt.

Several pieces of equipment were badly damaged in the fire, which is suspected to be electrical in origin.

Contacted, Fire Chief Marlon Gentle told Stabroek News that around 4 pm, a call was received from security at the location that smoke was seen coming from the factory. He said that three fire tenders responded. The first set of fire fighters on the scene reported that there was heavy smoke.

Gentle said they had to use special respiratory equipment in order to enter the building and they were later able to locate the fire. He said that the fire fighters were able to put out the blaze. Two or three components in the factory, he added were damaged.

He said that an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the fire.

When Stabroek News visited the location, the security personnel stated that the media were not allowed into the compound and contact could be made with officials at the head office tomorrow.