Fire at Puruni Landing may have been caused by malfunctioning fuel pump – GFS
Days after a fire had decimated several buildings at Puruni Landing in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) has said that that fire might have been started by a malfunctioning fuel pump.
This fire reportedly erupted in the Miners Choice area of Puruni Landing at about 10:30h on Wednesday, and several structures were destroyed, including a fuel station, guest houses and storage facilities, before it was extinguished.
The GFS has said this fire originated at a fuel station owned by Glaston Fiffee and his wife Alanna Fiffee, and early reports suggest that a faulty fuel pump may have caused the fire.
Residents witnessing the destruction being caused by the fire
The Fire Service has said reports revealed that workers at the station were selling gasoline when the pump malfunctioned and burst into flames. Nearby combustible materials were ignited, and thus the building was ultimately destroyed. “In addition to the fuel station, several other properties were affected, including three guest houses, three storage bonds, three living quarters, two restaurants, one ice house, one boutique, one dwelling house, one generator room, and one variety store,” the GFS has said.
The aftermath of the fire
Several pieces of equipment, vehicles and boats were also damaged, including three outboard engines, three dredge pumps, four generators, one all-terrain vehicle (ATV), three XR motorcycles, five boats equipped with outboard engines, four motor lorries, and one pickup truck. At time of the fire, 28 persons were occupying the living quarters and guest houses.
Residents of the community had bravely stepped in to help battle the fire using mining equipment such as water pumps. Their quick response, along with that of the Bartica Fire Station, was instrumental in bringing the blaze under control, thus preventing further destruction. A comprehensive investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing.
“No casualties or injuries have been reported, and the police are conducting interviews with the involved parties and witnesses,” the GFS has detailed.
Several pieces of equipment, vehicles and boats were also damaged, including three outboard engines, three dredge pumps, four generators, one all-terrain vehicle (ATV), three XR motorcycles, five boats equipped with outboard engines, four motor lorries, and one pickup truck. At time of the fire, 28 persons were occupying the living quarters and guest houses.
