At approximately 13:00 hrs on Friday, the New Amsterdam Fire Station said it received a distress call reporting a fire in Budhan Scheme, Vryheid, West Canje Berbice. T
wo fire engines were immediately dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, firefighters observed flames emanating from the lower floor of the two-storey building.
Thanks to the swift response and effective efforts of the fire service, the blaze was quickly contained to the lower floor, resulting in extensive damage there.
The fire was later determined to be of electrical origin, linked to an issue with a light bulb, according to Divisional Fire Officer Clive McDonald.
Tomika Roach, who lived in the lower flat with her husband and two children, recounted that she had returned home around 13:00 hrs to retrieve an item. After leaving, she was on the road when she received a call from her brother informing her that the house was on fire.
The two-storey residence housed multiple family members; the upper floor was occupied by her mother, nephew, and sister.
Roach praised the fire service for their swift response, which prevented a potentially disastrous outcome. Though shaken by the incident, she expressed immense gratitude that everyone was safe and that the fire was quickly brought under control.
