Origin of fire that gutted El Dorado Trading building yet to be determined

One day after fire completely gutted a building that houses three apartments and popular gold dealership – El Dorado Trading – the Guyana Fire Service says the cause is yet to be determined.

“Investigations are being carried out by the Fire Prevention Department to ascertain what caused the fire,” a statement Friday afternoon from the Guyana Fire Service noted.

The statement did not confirm how many persons were displaced and the extent of the destruction but it pointed out that nearby buildings also suffered damages.

At about 17:33 hrs on Thursday, the Fire Service said it received a call and was alerted to the fire; four water tenders and a water bowser from the Central, Alberttown, Campbellville, and West Ruimveldt fire stations were immediately dispatched to the scene.

The top floor of the building housed three apartments, while the ground floor operated El Dorado Trading.

“As a result of the fire, the first and second apartments on the top floor were destroyed, while the ground floor sustained water damage.

“Firefighters were able to prevent damage to the third apartment as well as contain the fire, which threatened two nearby buildings,” the statement added.

However, due to radiated heat, both nearby buildings suffered severe damage to the walls, windows, PVC ceilings, and gutters. Furniture and appliances were also slightly scorched due to the heat.

On Thursday, Chief Executive Officer of El Dorado Trading, Tamesh Jagmohan, related that the building was locked after operations were concluded for the day.

Notably, the person living behind the building also was not home. Jagmohan said he is pleased with the response of the Fire Service.