Firefighters in larceny probe released into custody of fire service

Firefighters who were questioned after money was reported missing following their response to a fire at a South Ruimveldt house have been released into the custody of the Guyana Fire Service.

Commander of ‘A’ Division Marlon Chapman told Stabroek News that although the men were released from police custody, the investigation of the allegation leveled against them is still ongoing.

The fire had spread through the house and only the fire service ranks had entered afterward, resulting in the accusation.

Just around 11 am last Thursday, a fire of unknown origin gutted the top flat of the Congress Drive, South Ruimveldt home belonging to Ministry of Public Health Deputy Permanent Secretary Glendon Fogenay.

At the time of the fire, three fire tenders responded.

Fogenay’s wife, Keane Fogenay, on Monday told Stabroek News that since the fire they have not heard from the police or the fire service.

Keane, a teacher, said they have received assistance from friends and family. She noted that they have since been residing at a neighbour’s home. The woman said that the house was entirely engulfed, which prevented them from saving any items.

She had said her mother-in-law was in the yard when she heard an explosion. The woman reportedly investigated and saw smoke coming from the upper flat of the home. As a result, she raised an alarm and neighbours summoned the fire service.

Fogenay said the service responded and managed to extinguish the fire, which was contained to the building.

Asked what might have caused the fire, Fogenay said she did not have an idea but suspected the fire might be electrical in origin.