Fire at Lamaha Squatting Area destroys two houses, leaves 12 homeless

A fire that broke out early Wednesday morning in the Lamaha Squatting Area of ‘B’ Field Sophia has left 12 people homeless after destroying two houses.

The Guyana Fire Service said it received an emergency call at 2:58 hrs and dispatched firefighting units to the scene by 3:05 hrs. Responding units included Water Tenders #95, #105, and #118, along with Water Carrier #18, totaling 6,813 liters of water and a team of 18 firefighters.

The blaze originated in a single-storey wooden structure, which was completely engulfed and destroyed, displacing three residents. Fire officials suspect the fire may have been set maliciously, and investigations are currently underway.

In addition to the initial fire, the intense heat radiating from the blaze led to the destruction of two nearby buildings, leaving an additional nine individuals without shelter. The fire also resulted in the loss of approximately 60 undocumented motorcycles.

Firefighters worked diligently to control the flames, utilizing jets from Water Tenders #105 and #118, as well as drawing water from an open source with LP#A7.

Fire Prevention officials are actively investigating the cause of the fire, and they are urging anyone with information to come forward.