Popular Bartica restaurant destroyed by fire

A devastating fire on Wednesday night destroyed Orin’s Kitchen, a popular restaurant and hangout spot in Bartica.

The blaze started around 20:45 hrs at the building located on Sixth Avenue, Bartica.

The News Room understands that the owner, Orin Williams, started his business from scratch about six years ago.

The owner’s brother, Rovaldo Williams said the fire quickly engulfed the building and destroyed everything.

“The upstairs he does normally live in and the downstairs is his business place, his entire upper flat is completely destroyed, all of his documents, his money, everything went up in flames,” Rovaldo told the News Room.

According to Rovaldo, Orin lived with his adopted son and another relative.

Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

Rovaldo revealed that eyewitness accounts point to an electrical issue as the possible cause of the fire.

“The business next door said they saw the fire start at the corner of the wall, that’s where his camera and electrical equipment were,” Rovaldo stated.

Despite the fire destroying everything, the Guyana Fire Service was praised for its swift response.

“The fire service response was excellent, I would give them a 100%,” Rovaldo said.

Some 13 individuals were employed at the restaurant. Rovaldo said his brother is devastated, but said relatives have already rallied to support him to rebuild.

The Guyana Fire Service will determine the exact cause of the fire.