A fire of unknown origin yesterday gutted the Z Mohammed and Sons Trading bond at Happy Acres on the East Coast Demerara and up to press time fire-fighters were still putting out small blazes that erupted.
Thick smoke billowed for hours as flammable material including paint and thinners ignited. One person suffered burns to the forearm.
Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn told reporters at the scene, “the fire started in a bond with a lot of flammable combustible material, oils, paints, thinners and plywood. The fire-fighters have managed to contain it to the bond itself, with difficulty so it’s not spreading, they are containing it and reducing the amount of fire that is there. I think it will take a while before they can completely get on top of it. The issue again is the question of safe storage, use and warning in respect of the issues as it relates to the risk of fire. I am satisfied with the response, under the circumstances the response was fair. ’’
As a result of the chemicals, foam had to be used to fight the blaze.
Fire Chief, Gregory Wickham told Stabroek News that the GFS received a call at approximately 4.30 pm about the fire. All fire tenders from Georgetown responded along with the Melanie, East Coast Demerara Fire Tender. Wickham added that at the time of the fire, people were on their way home from work making it a bit difficult for the tenders to get to the scene.
Smoke was seen emanating from the building miles away. At approximately 9:10 pm when Stabroek News spoke to the fire chief he related that small fires were still being seen at various parts of the building. However, they managed to enter the building and the fire had been contained. The origin of the fire is unknown.
