Fatal Bartica fire caused by overheating fan

The Guyana Fire Service has confirmed that the fire which devastated a home in Bartica on July 24 was caused by an overheating electrical fan. The fan’s malfunction led to a blaze that rapidly spread through the upper flat of the building.

According to reports, the Bartica Fire Service Station received an emergency call at approximately 1:00 hrs on July 24. Upon arrival, firefighters encountered a severe fire with the upper flat of the house fully engulfed in flames and black smoke billowing into the sky. The scene was witnessed by shocked neighbors and onlookers.

The residents of the home, Dawn Hopkinson and her 94-year-old father, Albert Hopkinson, commonly known as “Major,” were at the house at the time of the incident. Dawn Hopkinson was cooking in the kitchen downstairs, while her father was in the upper flat. Both were injured and transported to the Bartica Regional Hospital.

Albert Hopkinson suffered third-degree burns and later succumbed to his injuries despite medical efforts. Dawn Hopkinson sustained second-degree burns while attempting to save personal belongings from the fire.

In light of the tragedy, the Guyana Fire Service has issued a public safety reminder, advising residents to be vigilant with electrical appliances. They recommend unplugging devices when not in use, especially to prevent such incidents in vulnerable settings.