Fire-fighters of the Guyana Fire Service managed to put out a blazing truck on Monday afternoon at the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Water Street, Kingston Power Station, averting a major catastrophe.
Firefighters at the scene of the fire
Reports are that a truck, which was in close proximity to the fuel storage area, burst into flames about 14:30h. A quick response by the Guyana Fire Service saw the blaze being brought under control before contact with the fuel tank, located just metres away. However, some damage was caused to a holding area and other structures within the company’s compound.
When Guyana Times visited the scene, fire-fighters were seen battling the blaze with water and foam, and it was subsequently put out. Present at the scene was Fire Chief Marlon Gentle, who stated that foam was used because of the different fire hazards present which posed a threat in the confined space.
The truck which started the fire at GPL’s power station on Water Street, Kingston
“Just about 14:30, we got reports of a fire in this vicinity. The units responded and when they got here, there was a truck on fire in heavy fire condition which was almost to the fuel tank,” the Fire Chief said.
He noted that there was also assistance from the fire-fighting resources present at GPL who helped to contain the fire and prevent its spread to the fuel tank, a situation that would have caused devastation. However, there was some amount of damage to pipes and a bridge which led to another building that was in close proximity to the burning truck.
“We were able to knock it down and prevent any further damage. So far as we could see, there is some [damage] to the truck which has been totally wiped [out] and also there’s some superficial damage to the pipes and other infrastructure,” Fire Chief Gentle stated.
While the origin of the fire is yet to be determined, assessments are to be made when the areas completely cool down. Gentle explained that investigations would be conducted shortly as to the cause of the fire.
