Fire that ravaged 4 homes at Ruimveldt squatting area was maliciously set – GFS confirms
The homes that were destroyed by the fire
The Guyana Fire Service (GFS) has confirmed that the fire which destroyed four homes in the Container City squatting area in Ruimveldt was maliciously set.
The GFS stated that it received a distress call at approximately 11:12h and a water tender and crew were dispatched to Lot 5 West 1/2 Y Squatting Area, Container City, Georgetown.
Upon arriving, firefighters realised that the blaze had engulfed multiple structures thus resulting in extensive damage and displacement of families residing in the area.
The affected buildings and their occupants include the building where the fire started – a one-flat wooden and concrete structure owned by a man of unsound mind identified as Paul.
Another building was owned by Jane Boston and was occupied by Troy Mickelson, Anastasia Mickelson, Richanna Boston, Wickland Ceces, Devon Caesar, and Alanna Havery.
The third building was owned by Beverly Smith and occupied by Michael Smith Jr, Rawl Williams, and Ryan Williams while the fourth building was owned by Caro Morgan Sr, and occupied by Carl Morgan, Towanna Morgan, Carl Morgan Jr, and Briella Greene.
Upon realising the magnitude of the fire, additional resources from the Central and Eccles Fire Stations were deployed. The firefighters worked diligently with three jets, utilising an open water source to combat the flames and prevent further spread.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the fire was maliciously set. The suspect, reportedly of unsound mind, was apprehended at the scene by the Police,” authorities reported.
While residents recounted chaotic scenes of salvaging belongings amid the devastation, individuals like Jane Boston, a senior member of the City Constabulary, expressed profound grief over the loss, emphasising the need for community support and vigilance in preventing such incidents.
Tiffany Morgan and others shared similar tales of loss and despair, recounting the harrowing moment they returned to find their homes destroyed.
Despite efforts to contain the blaze, the impact of the Ruimveldt fire left a trail of destruction for the affected families. Meanwhile, the suspected arsonist remains in Police custody awaiting legal proceedings.
