Grease fire erupts at Rosignol Church’s Chicken

…quick fire service action averts major damage in 2nd blaze at outlet

A fire at the Church’s Chicken outlet in Rosignol, Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), on Sunday morning was quickly contained by firefighters, preventing major damage to the building. The blaze, which has been linked to the ignition of fat build-up around an extractor fan, is the second such incident at the location in recent years.
Firefighters were forced to climb onto the roof of the one-storey building, cutting through sections of the structure to release thick smoke while simultaneously directing water into the affected area. Images from the scene showed heavy smoke escaping and water streaming from the roof as crews worked aggressively from above and below to bring the situation under control.

According to Divisional Fire Officer Clive McDonald, the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) received the call at 11:42h, prompting a response from the Onverwagt Fire Station with support from a second tender dispatched from New Amsterdam. Upon arrival, firefighters observed heavy smoke issuing from the building and immediately went into an offensive mode of firefighting, executing vertical ventilation operations to contain the blaze. The fire resulted in damage to a section of the building’s ceiling and the heat extractor system, which was identified as the primary area affected. Several cooking appliances were also damaged, and a quantity of chicken was destroyed. The property is being rented by the franchise.

Grease build-up
Investigations according to the Guyana Police Force (GPF) revealed that the fire was caused by flames igniting fatty substances accumulated around the extractor fan, a common hazard in commercial kitchens where grease build-up can pose a significant fire risk if not properly managed. At the time of the incident, the establishment was open for business with several employees on duty. However, there were no reports of injuries as staff were able to act quickly and move to safety.
Sunday’s blaze is not the first to affect the Rosignol outlet. In June 2021, a fire believed to have originated in the extractor area also forced staff to evacuate as thick smoke filled the building. On that occasion, firefighters from the Guyana Sugar Corporation’s (GuySuCo) Blairmont Estate responded initially, before being joined by a GFS tender. One firefighter was injured during that operation and the business was temporarily closed due to water damage.