Laparkan fire: 11 vehicles, three 40-ft containers, Bobcat machine among items destroyed

The huge fire that destroyed the Laparkan Trading Company Bond at Lombard Street, Georgetown on Sunday night also ruined propane cylinders, a number of barrels containing foodstuff, clothing, household appliances and other items.

A press release from the Fire Service also noted that 11 vehicles were also destroyed while five were severely damaged and three others were slightly damaged.

Meanwhile, Laparkan also suffered the loss of one Bobcat machine, a quantity of office furniture, gas cylinders, crates of energy drinks, three 40 feet containers containing electrical cables and flex hoses, three electrical transformers and three 40 feet refrigeration containers.

As a result of the fire, Tropical Shipping Company sustained water damage and minor fire damage.

The Fire Service said it received a call at 23:37 hrs on Sunday and was alerted to the fire; water tenders from the Central Fire Station, Campbellville Fire Station, West Ruimveldt Fire Station, Alberttown Fire Station and a Fire Boat immediately reported.

“These appliances were able to bring the fire under control and subsequently extinguish it,” the release noted.

The structure involved was a two-storey wooden, concrete and steel building owned by Guyana National Industrial Company Incorporated and used as shipping companies by Tropical Shipping Company and Laparkan Trading Company.

Investigations are underway to determine the cause of the fire. The Fire Service continues to encourage the use of firefighting and other safety equipment.

In this particular instance, the facility did not have any means of fire prevention.

“There were no smoke detectors, fire extinguishers or fire hoses installed in the building.

“Smoke detectors and sprinkler systems play a major role in preventing fires, while fire extinguishers are useful in putting out small fires,” the Fire Service noted.