Authorities investigating possible linkage between GNIC and GNSC fires

Within the space of two weeks, fires have erupted at two of the country’s major shipping complexes located on Lombard Street, Georgetown, but the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) would be investigating any possible linkages of these two infernos.
This is according to Fire Chief (ag) Gregory Wickham, who told Guyana Times that investigation into the most recent fire, which occurred on Sunday at the Guyana National Shipping Corporation (GNSC), is still ongoing.

“They are now completing [the investigation] and preparing of that information to send me,” he explained.
It has been reported that at about 08:00h on Sunday, a fire erupted at the GNSC’s workshop, an aged wooden building referred to as the “gear room”, which was being used to store gears and parts for ships.
However, quick response by the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) resulted in the blaze being contained to that area, and the GNSC suffering minimal losses.
In a statement issued subsequently, the GFS said the Tropical Shipping Company, which operates on the GNSC wharf, sustained water damage and minor fire damage. Additionally, propane cylinders and a number of barrels containing foodstuff, clothing, household appliances and other items were destroyed.

Two weeks prior to this incident, a fire erupted at a bond at the Guyana National Industrial Company Incorporated (GNIC), destroying a quantity of office furniture; gas cylinders; crates of energy drinks; three 40-foot containers containing electrical cables and flex hoses; three electrical transformers, and three 40-foot refrigeration containers for Laparkan Trading. In addition, eleven vehicles were destroyed, while five were severely damaged and three others were slightly damaged.
The GFS has already determined that this fire was an act of arson – a claim that did not sit well with the company’s management. However, given the coincidence of the two fires, the GFS would be probing any possible linkages or similarities.
“Maybe when the investigations are completed they’ll be able to find if any relations are between the two fires,” the Fire Chief explained.
“I am depending strongly on the reports that the investigators would put out, but when I have gone through that, I’ll be able to find out and say ‘yes’ [or no],” he added.
Meanwhile, the Fire Chief has further lauded the GFS for its quick response to the most recent fire. “I want to commend the firefighters for their response,” the Fire Chief has said. “That is the view of the CEO of GNSC, shared also with me yesterday; because I took the time off to speak with him and find out, and for him to give me an appreciation for what the firefighters would have done during the firefighting process, and the response time. He was very pleased, and so, yes, it was a great job done by the firefighters.”