Happy Acres bond fire triggered by welding close to foam mattress - GFS
-no fire suppressants were on site
e Guyana Fire Service (GFS) yesterday d that investigations have revealed that lding done in close proximity to a foam ttress triggered the inferno which gutted Z Mohammed and Sons bond at Happy res on Monday and during which two e-fighters suffered smoke inhalation.
In a statement yesterday, the GFS said t at 4.35 pm on Monday the fire service s alerted to a fire at Lot 9 Felicity, Happy res, East Coast Demerara. It said that the ucture involved was a steel and concrete rage building owned by 57-year-old Zaid ohamed.
Firefighters from the Central, West imveldt, Alberttown, Campbellville, and elanie fire stations, along with two ambuces and Emergency Medical Technicians, re immediately dispatched to the locan, the statement said.
While the GFS had difficulty arriving at location due to rush hour traffic and hicle blockages at the site, the first appliance arrived on the scene at 16:51 hours, and firefighters managed to bring the fire under control by 6 pm, using the original tank supply and foam.
During the blaze, there were several explosions of flammable compounds (oils, thinners, etc.), which presented a clear danger to firefighters, the GFS said.
Due to the intensity of the fire, two firefighters suffered smoke inhalation and were transported to the hospital. There were no other injuries.
Investigations, the GFS said, revealed that welding was being done in close proximity to a foam mattress. Flying embers subsequently came into contact with the mattress and ignited.
It was also discovered that there were no fire suppressants (extinguishers) or smoke detectors within the building and that the correct safety measures were not being followed.
The entire building and its contents were destroyed as a result of the fire.
The Guyana Fire Service urged citizens to be mindful of fire prevention methods, be equipped with fire suppressants, and exercise
caution within homes and businesses.
The GFS thanked the Guyana Police Force for its support and assistance during the conflagration.