A major catastrophe was averted on Saturday morning after fire of unknown origin erupted at the Giftland Mall at Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, but fire fighters were able to contain the blaze to one location, with the assistance of the staff of the mall.
According to reports received, the fire started at around 06:10h in the Royal Castle outlet located on the upper flat of the multi-million-dollar mall.
Guyana Times understands that the security team was summoned after smoke was seen emanating from the vents of the Royal Castle outlet, which is in close proximity to the generator room.
Clean-up work in progress after the fire
As such, management was alerted, and upon breaking into the building, it was noticed that the fire was in the supervisor’s office of the fast food outlet.
The fire service was called to the scene, and the fire was quickly contained. Only a section of the fast food outlet was scorched as a result of the fire. When Guyana Times arrived at the scene, the mall was closed and only those who operated stores in the facility were allowed access, but at their own risk, due to the smoke.
In the area where the fire started, several workers were busy cleaning with the hope of opening for regular business.
At the scene, Divisional Officer of Operations of the Fire Service, Gregory Wickham, explained that the GFS would have received the report, and as such, fire tenders and fire fighters were immediately dispatched to the location.
He noted that, upon arrival, the fire-fighting mode was activated and the blaze was contained to one location.
With respect to the damage done, he noted that only a small section was scorched. At the time when Guyana Times spoke with the official, he could not say if foul play was involved, but he disclosed that an investigation has been launched.
“Once the investigations are completed, we will release the findings,” Wickham promised.
Also speaking to Guyana Times on behalf of the managing director of the mall, Health and Safety Officer of Giftland, Dale Denisford, confirmed that the fire did start in the Royal Castle Fast Food outlet, but due to diligent work by the staff and the firemen, the fire was contained.
He added that as soon as the smoke was seen, the mall’s security emergency plan was activated. No one was allowed to enter the building due to the health hazard, he noted. He also noted that the fast food outlet sustained minor damage.
This fire occurred less than 48 hours before another food giant is opened at the mall — Food Max. Nevertheless, Denisford related that that mishap will not in any way affect the opening of this new outlet.
