An immediate response from public-spirited individuals on Sunday evening saved two separate properties at Better Hope, East Coast Demerara (ECD), from being destroyed by fire.
The first incident occurred at about 02:20h at Lot 7 Better Hope Railway Embankment, ECD.
Charran Sahadeo’s property where his brother’s home was flattened
Owner of the property, Charran Sahadeo and his family were awakened at the sight of fire and black smoke through the bedroom window. An adjoining structure, which his brother resided in was engulfed in smoke. Reports are that the family exited the house and formed a bucket brigade. The Guyana Fire Service later arrived on the scene and doused the fire.
Sahadeo told Guyana Times on Monday that his house suffered damages. It is believed that his brother lit a kerosene lamp, but it exploded and caused the fire to spread.
“I went out and came back at around 07:00h. I got a brother that does normally live downstairs and apparently like he light some lamp and, well, it explode. He just pelt it and then shout for me but I didn’t hear he. By the time we come, the whole thing burn down and it almost burn down my house as well…I don’t think he got injured,” the man shared.
The property which the landlord allegedly set on fire
Sahadeo shared that his brother has been living on the property with him for decades. In the past, the man said he had asked his brother to relocate to another section of the yard, fearing the possibility of a fire. Nevertheless, he lauded the assistance from nearby persons in quelling the fire.
“I always wanted him to come forward but he never want to come out. I always warn him that the house is a danger to the main house and things like this could light up fast…The last time we had a fire and neighbours came to help. This time, a neighbour from next door shout for help and people came from different parts. By the grace of God, we got saved.”
This publication was told that the brother was taken into custody but Sahadeo contended that it was an accident.
In another incident in the community, a landlord set fire to his property in order for tenants to vacate. Reports are that the fire was set in a bedroom of the Better Hope, East Coast Demerara house. Police have since said that the landlord set the fire following a conflict between himself and his tenant.
Enquiries revealed that the landlord served his tenant a lawyer’s letter to remove from the premises to which she failed to comply. Police said that at about 17:00h, the woman and her children were selling food when they observed smoke coming from the house.
According to them, the man was then spotted running from the house into the neighbour’s yard. Persons in the area were successful in preventing the flames from spreading. The Fire Department was also summoned and managed to put out the fire with only minor reported damages.
An eyewitness explained that the man was imbibing prior to the act. He entered the lower flat of the house and reportedly committed the act. He has since been taken into custody pending an investigation. There were no significant losses. (G12)
