Electrical malfunction sparks small fire at Evans Street residence

– as firefighters respond to several other calls elsewhere

A minor fire broke out at a two-story house located at Lot 96 Evans Street, Charlestown, Georgetown on Thursday morning, but quick action by the occupants prevented significant damage.
Leading Fireman Marshall, Smith and a team of 12 firefighters responded to the scene with Water Tenders #118 and #95, along with Water Carrier #21 and #23, arriving at 11:35 hrs.
According to the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) in a statement, the fire was caused by an overheating electrical drop cord, which led to a breakdown in the wiring insulation.
This resulted in arcing and sparking which led to the ignition of nearby combustible materials. However, before the firefighters arrived, an occupant managed to extinguish the flames using buckets of water and a 9 kilogram (kg) dry chemical fire extinguisher.
The fire caused minimal damage, with one plastic tray destroyed and approximately three inches of an internal concrete wall sustaining slight damage.
The property is owned by Diana and Keisha Duncan, who reside in the United States (US). The upper floor is occupied by Jon Medford, while the ground floor houses Christopher Jardine, Joy Bartholomew, and Tyrese James. No injuries were reported.
The GFS has raised concerns over an increase in electrical fires across the country, urging citizens to take necessary precautions to prevent these dangerous incidents. Electrical fires pose a serious threat as they can occur at any time due to negligence or faulty electrical systems.
Recent reports indicate that slack connections, circuit overloading, malfunctioning appliances, and illegal electrical connections are among the leading causes of such fires. Additionally, the use of substandard wiring, power strips, and extension cords significantly increases fire risks.
To address these hazards, the GFS is emphasising the importance of proper electrical maintenance and responsible usage. Citizens are advised to avoid illegal power connections, use only certified electricians for installations and repairs, and ensure periodic inspections of their electrical systems. Proper handling of electrical appliances, avoiding overloading circuits, and using only approved electrical products are also critical in preventing potential fires
Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and adopt safe electrical practices to protect lives and property from avoidable disasters.
Additionally, on March 19, the GFS responded to a call at the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) at Camp and Bent Sts, as workers alleged the smell of smoke in the building and called as a precautionary measure. However nothing was discovered.
Also, firefighters responded to a call at Kuru Kuru where grass, set alight by an unknown person or persons, spread to a nearby building that was unoccupied at the time.
The building, owned by Linden and Wynetter Daniels of Supply East Bank Demerara (EBD) and its contents were completely destroyed before the fire service arrived.
Meanwhile, a home at Lot 162 Garnette Street in Kitty, Georgetown owed by Camille Daly sustained interior damages as a defective gas regulator head caused gas vapor to escape from the cylinder and come into contact with naked flame from the gas stove. It soon ignited and spread to nearby combustible materials, before it was extinguished by the fire service.