Man injured, two families homeless in separate fires

One person is injured while two families are now homeless after separate fires destroyed their houses at No. 41 Village and No. 8 Village on the West Coast of Berbice.

At No.41 Village, 29-year-old Leon Omar was injured in the fire which started around 16:50hrs on Friday.

The News Room understands that Omar lived with his father, Reggie Hookumchand, 56; his wife, 29-year-old Jenita Bhoodhoo and their two children, ages one and six.

At the time of the fire, Bhoodhoo was home alone and disclosed that while she was using the toilet outside, she spotted a blaze emanating from the western bedroom.

She immediately contacted her husband who arrived home shortly later.

However, Omar in an attempt to put out the fire, received burns to his left hand and face. Despite his attempts, the fire destroyed the one-storey house and everything inside.

The fire service was summoned and arrived shortly after.

Omar was taken to the Fort Wellington Public Hospital where he was admitted in a serious but stable condition.

The family estimates their losses to be about $3 million.

Meanwhile, a second fire that took place at No.8 Village resulted in a house being partially damaged.

The News Room was told that a child was reportedly playing with matches which resulted in the fire.

The interior of the house, made of zinc, was extensively destroyed and has left a family of five homeless.

The Guyana Fire Service is currently investigating both fires.