A mid-morning fire on Friday has completely gutted the living quarters of the Guyana Prison Service at Parade Street in Kingston, Georgetown, leaving 30 Prison officers displaced.
When this disastrous fire became ignited at around 09:26h, three water bowsers, a hydraulic platform and several crews were dispatched to the site. Upon arrival, they observed one wooden building fully engulfed, and without hesitation, they commenced fighting the blaze.
Divisional Fire Commander Hemchandra Persaud told the media that firefighters had encountered difficulty in accessing water from a nearby hydrant to battle the blaze, and had to tap into an open water source – the canal on Lamaha Street. In the meantime, the Guyana Water Incorporated was requested to boost pressure in that area.
Persaud affirmed, “There [was] no likelihood that the fire would’ve spread; we [had] it under control.”
The building, which had accommodated Prison officers from Lusignan and Georgetown prisons, was promptly evacuated, ensuring the safety of all occupants.
Director of Prisons, Nicklon Elliot, has said alternative accommodations have been secured for the affected officers, and measures are in place to address their immediate needs.
Despite being equipped with fire extinguishers, the building was destroyed, and Elliot has said this highlights the necessity for a comprehensive review of fire prevention techniques at all facilities.
“We received a call just around 9:30h. I was at the Lusignan Prison, and we quickly headed over here… We are looking to address the immediate needs [of the Prison officers]…they lost everything, and the Fire Service is currently working to ascertain the cause of the fire…We have already procured housing and clothing for them, until we can have a permanent accommodation for them”, Elliot detailed.
He said this fire has occurred just one day after the Prison Service had hosted a fire prevention talk done by Fire officials.
