Residents in tears as massive fire destroys several buildings in Albouystown

The Guyana Fire Service is currently battling a massive fire on James Street, Albouystown, Georgetown, that has already destroyed several buildings.

The News Room understands that an apartment building was destroyed. The chaotic scene on Thursday afternoon saw many residents in tears and inconsolable as their homes and possessions were reduced to ashes.

One resident described the terrifying moment when the fire broke out. The man said he lived in the apartment building and was asleep when the fire started. He was awakened by neighbours banging on his door, alerting him to the fire.

“I move my bus and when I come around back and decide to see what I can retrieve from my apartment, the only thing I could retrieve is my documents and my TV,” the man said.

“All my lil money, my savings I was saving to buy a car, all of that burn up in there. I does work hard pon the wharf, and now everything gone up in flames,” the man said while holding back tears.

Divisional Officer Otis Charles, in an update, said the Guyana Fire Service received a call about the blaze and responded with six fire tenders.

“When we arrived, one building was already fully engulfed in flames, and another was starting to catch, so we immediately got into firefighting mode,” Charles explained.

Firefighters continue to work tirelessly to ensure the blaze is fully extinguished and to prevent further damage to surrounding properties.