Fire destroys hotel, bar and general store in Bartica

A fire of unknown origin completely destroyed two buildings at First Avenue, Bartica Region Seven Monday night.

The fire, which started at around 22:15h, destroyed the Morocco Hotel, a bar and the Bolo and Son’s general store.

The buildings were owned by businesswoman, Penelope Canterbury who also lived there; she operated the hotel and bar in one of the buildings and rented the other building to the store owner Devon Beckles.

The News Room understands that the buildings are about 10ft apart and was built with both wood and concrete; the buildings were not insured.

Mr Beckles of Second Avenue Bartica, reported that he unplugged all electrical appliances before he closed the store and left at about 17:30h Monday.

At approximately 22:15h, smoke was seen emanating from the lower flat of the general store.

The Guyana Fire Service was summoned immediately but the fire quickly spread throughout the building.

By the time the fire service managed to contain the blaze both buildings were already destroyed.  An investigation is still ongoing to ascertain the cause of the fire.