Family escapes burning home in early morning fire

…grandfather, teen grandson jumps through window to flee blaze

Police in Regional Division Two are investigating a fire of unknown origin that destroyed the home of a 74-year-old pensioner and farmer at Grant Canaan, Lower Pomeroon River, early Saturday morning. Reports are that the fire occurred at about 02:30h on Saturday and completely destroyed the two-storey dwelling belonging to Albert Peters, also called Quintal. Peters lived in the house with his wife, Joan Peters, 72, and their 15-year-old grandson. According reports, the family had retired to bed around 21:30h on Friday, after switching off their music and generator after celebrating Joan Peters’ birthday. Investigations revealed that around 17:00h on Friday, a 34-year-old farmer of Grant Canaan, had entered the yard and was confronted by a close relative of the victims about a dispute involving a “Fire Red” bird that was lent to his father. The suspect reportedly became annoyed during the exchange, verbally abused the teen and later left the area in a paddle boat across the river. Police said that at about 02:30h on Saturday, Albert Peters was awakened by a burning smell. Upon checking, he discovered a fire in the lower flat, in front of his son’s room, with thick smoke coming from the area. Peters’ son, Swayne Peters Sr, 46, a miner who is currently working in the interior, occupied the lower flat of the house, while the elderly couple and their grandson lived in the upper flat.

An alarm was raised and the pensioner, his wife and their grandson attempted to escape. Peters and his grandson jumped through windows from the upper floor, while his wife forced open the bedroom door and ran down the back steps.
Neighbours and the family attempted to control the blaze by forming a bucket brigade, but the building was already engulfed in flames. The wooden and concrete structure located on the left bank of the Pomeroon River was completely destroyed. No injuries were reported. The matter was reported to the police and ranks from the Charity Police Station and the Fire Service visited the scene. Efforts were made to locate the farmer who had the confrontation with the victims’ relative; however, he was not found. An investigation has been launched.