Deadly Charlestown fire was electrical in origin – fire official

Days after a fire at Drysdale Street, Charlestown, Georgetown claimed the lives of 40-year-old Michael Richards and his two children – six-year-old Somaya Richards and four-year-old Supreme Richards – officials of the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) have confirmed that the fire was electrical in origitn.
This information was confirmed by an official on Wednesday. The Fire Service launched the investigation last Friday and has now revealed its findings.
Reports indicate that the Fire Department was alerted about the fire at around 06:45h on Friday and dispatched water tenders from the Alberttown, Campbellville, and West Ruimveldt Fire Stations to the location.

Upon arrival, the building was already engulfed in flames. The firefighters managed to contain the blaze to one location, but they were unable to save the man and his two children who were trapped in the inferno.
Based on the information received, Richards’ body was found near the door, suggesting that he may have been attempting to escape, while the remains of his two children were discovered in the bedroom. The mother of the children was not at home at the time of the fire.

At the scene of the fire, Guyana Times was informed that several occupants of the upper floor of the house were able to escape to safety, but Michael and his two children were not as fortunate.
Recently, the GFS urged the public to ensure the safety of the wiring in their homes after noticing an increase in electrical fires. The GFS highlighted overloaded circuits and loose or illegal connections as some of the main contributing factors to electrical fires.
Consequently, individuals were warned against using illegal connections for electricity and were advised to promptly report any external faulty electrical problems to the Guyana Power and Light (GPL).
Additionally, it was recommended that all electrical cables be placed in a conduit (PVC pipe), certified electricians be employed for electrical works, buildings undergo an inspection every five years by certified electrical inspectors, and the electrical system not be overloaded.
Furthermore, they said that the quality of circuit strips, wiring, and electrical appliances used should be of the highest standard. (G9)