Fire Service concerned over number of fires

Guyana Chronicle
May 18, 2003

Related Links: Articles on fires
Letters Menu Archival Menu


THE Guyana Fire Service (GFS) has expressed grave concerns over the number of fires, which occurred since January last. The GFS said that for this year, there were 615 fires. Fifty-three buildings were destroyed and eight were severely damaged.

The fires have left 178 persons homeless. Last year, fire rendered 419 persons homeless.

Children caused most of the fires. In many cases, parents leave their children home alone and they tend to light fires with matches, the GFS said.

Another major cause of fires is theft of electricity, the GFS said. Illegal connection of electricity is a common practice by consumers, Fire Chief (ag) Carlyle Washington, said. He pointed out that thought it might seem to be a very cheap way of getting electricity, it is very dangerous. He stressed that the upsurge of electrical power resulted in some of the fires and has called on the guilty parties to cease the illegal activities.

Washington said if people were more careful, there would fewer fires.

Site Meter