11 homeless after fire destroys two New Amsterdam houses

Two houses were completely gutted by fire Wednesday morning in New Amsterdam, Berbice, leaving 11 persons, including five children homeless.

Carpenter Rudolph Majeed, 49, lived with his family at Timmers Dam, Angoy’s Avenue. His daughter lived with her husband and two kids on a plot of land aback his house.

Majeed said he woke up and ventured downstairs to his hammock while his wife was seated on a chair nearby. According to him, there was no indication by smell that something was burning.

“We just hear something… the sound like when u light dry grass.” He decided to venture upstairs, only to find the entire upper flat in flames.

“…all the sofa and so on fire…by the time I run down and tell me wife… she hustle to get a bucket water but the water couldn’t even do nothing because it happen so fast. The fire service barely make it,” he said.

Majeed believes the fire may be electrical in nature.

He said the main switch box (breaker box) was switched off because it was observed to be faulty but the issue wasn’t taken seriously.

The Carpenter who is contemplating his next move said the homes were built over the years as he worked; saving and building to make his family comfortable.

All their valuables were lost in the fire. Majeed said they were running a small shop in the bottom flat of their house; that too was destroyed.

Persons desirous of assisting the family can make contact with them on 6439503.