Families homeless after fire at Ogle rips though wooden shacks

A fire of unknown origin ripped through several shacks at Ogle on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD)
earlier this evening, leaving several families homeless on Christmas Day.

The Guyana Fire Service (GFS) could not immediately say what was the cause of the fire which spread
rapidly, demolishing four wooden structures.

The News Room understands that the fire started in one of the shacks which is situated on a dam in
Ogle, ECD.

It is unclear at this time how many families are homeless, as several persons were seen scampering to
safety while others were trying to save items which appeared not to be damaged by the fire.
A neighbouring three-storied house was also threatened by the fire, which was eventually extinguished
by the GFS.

Sources in the area explained that squatters moved there several years ago, and erected the wooden
shacks which became their home.

Prior to that, the area was being used by fishermen to store items which they would use to ply their
trade.

Investigations are currently ongoing.