A factory that builds doors and windows, located at Smithfield, New Amsterdam, Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), was in the wee hours of Sunday destroyed by a fire of unknown origin.
The aftermath of the fire on Sunday morning
Based on information received, the fire started at about 03:00h. Owner of the property, Williams Leung stated that he was at home when he received a telephone call informing him of the fire.
Without hesitation, he immediately instructed his wife to summon the Guyana Fire Service to the scene as he rushed over to the factory.
Owner of the business, William Leung
“When I reach the scene, the fire tenders were already putting out the blaze. The firefighters were prompt but the inside of the building was burning. I do not know what caused the fire because we turned off and unplugged all electrical equipment whenever we are finished working every day,” Leung told Guyana Times.
On Sunday morning, the 75-year-old businessman could not ascertain whether the fire was of an electrical nature but confirmed that the security guard saw flames emanating from the front part of the building.
Several pieces of machinery were completely damaged including radio alarm saws, two 20-inch planers, two band saws and five shapers among others. In addition, several high-end panel doors and windows were also destroyed.
A large number of hand tools were also destroyed in the inferno. He estimated his losses to be in the vicinity of $20 million. “Everything is electrical. All the tools are electrically operated, that is why we unplug them.”
The business has been in operation for more than eighteen years. However, back in 2010, a fire of unknown origin had destroyed the business. Back then there were living quarters above the factory.
However, it was rebuilt as a one-story building to cater only for the factory which has been making panel doors and mouldings.
Meanwhile, firefighters were able to contain the fire from spreading to a storage building which is in the same compound. The owner noted that the building was insured for a small sum but not the equipment.
The Fire Service has launched an investigation into the cause of the fire.
