Fire that gutted abandoned general store was maliciously set – GFS
Officials of the Guyana Fire Service have confirmed that the fire that gutted the Robinsons General Store, Lombard and Drysdale Streets, Georgetown on Friday was an act of arson.
Following the incident, the Fire Service launched an investigation into the cause of the fire and has come to the conclusion that it was maliciously set.
The store has been non-operational for some time now, following the death of its owner in 2020. The owner of the business was shot and subsequently died from an altercation outside of the establishment.
The Fire Service stated that it received a report of a fire on Friday at Lot 13 Lombard Street, Georgetown.
The abandoned Robinsons General Store that was destroyed by fire
“Water tenders along with two water carriers from the Central and West Ruimveldt Fire Stations were dispatched to the location, with the first appliance arriving on scene at 10:59h,” the GFS added.
The Fire Service further stated that their firefighting efforts were greatly impeded due to electricity still being connected in the building, which posed a threat to firefighters.
Several calls were made to Guyana Power and Light (GPL) to have the power disconnected, but this took some time. As a result of the fire, the building and its contents were completely destroyed.
Also affected was a one-flat wooden building also located at Lot 13 Lombard Street and situated on the northern side of the building of origin. Due to radiated heat, the entire southern wall was severely damaged.
Additionally, a metal container owned by John Fernandes Ltd was affected after flying embers from the building of origin came into contact with some wood and ignited.
