ECD bond fire: Welding sparks ignited mattress near chemicals – GFS
Following a bond fire that occurred at Le Ressouvenir, East Coast Demerara, on Monday afternoon, the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) said it was most likely caused because welding was done near chemicals.
As such, they said they will be launching an investigation to confirm their initial findings. The structure involved was a storage bond owned by Z Mohammed and Sons Hardware Store.
“Investigations revealed that welding was being done in close proximity to a foam mattress; flying embers subsequently came into contact with the mattress and ignited,” the report read.
The fire that destroyed the bond at Le Ressouvenir
Reports are that the fire started at about 16:00h, and firefighters from the Central, West Ruimveldt, Alberttown, Campbellville, and Melanie Fire Stations responded and managed to get the fire under control.
This was done by using various water sources and foam, containing it in one building. Upon arrival, the Fire Service said it was observed that there were no fire suppressants, extinguishers or smoke alarms within the building.
“While the GFS had difficulty arriving at the location due to rush hour traffic and vehicle blockages at the site, the first appliance arrived on the scene at 16:51 hours, and firefighters managed to get the fire under control…”, they said.
Guyana Times was told that while the fire was contained to the bond, it was initially difficult to get under control and extinguished, because of the type of items, which included paint, that was stored in the building.
As a result of the lack of access to water, firefighters had to use water from the Grand Coastal Hotel swimming pool, which is a short distance away from the bond. (G9)
