A Cummings Lodge pensioner’s home was early Tuesday evening destroyed by flames from an unattended burning rubbish heap she had lit.
A release from the Guyana Fire Service said that at about 19.00 hours, it received a report of a fire at Lot 734, Sixth Street Cummings Lodge Housing Scheme, Greater Georgetown and responded with tenders from Central, Alberttown and Campbellville fire stations.
Upon arrival the fire responders found that the one-flat wooden building occupied by 60-year-old Haimwantie Singh was on fire.
“The fire was the result of Singh burning rubbish, which she left unattended, and it subsequently spread to the house, destroying it,” the release informed.
Heat from the burning building also damaged neighbouring houses and three black tanks and one metre of PVC guttering were destroyed.
The Guyana Fire Service is advising citizens to never leave garbage or grass fires unattended, as these fires can quickly get out of hand.
As such citizens are being urged to be aware of the following tips.
● desist from openly burning grass and garbage. Find other means of disposal and/or land clearing
● report large grass and garbage fires to the fire department
● do not throw cigarette or cigar butts on the ground or out of a vehicle. Dispose of them properly, and make sure they are completely extinguished
● parents should emphasise to their children the dangers of playing with fire, as some grass fires are started by children who have no idea how quickly flames can grow and spread
● Keep a shovel, bucket of water, fire extinguisher, or other fire suppression tools on hand to put out fires if they occur or get out of hand.
