Norton Street fire caused by illegal electrical connection – GFS

The fire that ravaged a two-storey building at Lot 24 Norton Street, Lodge, Georgetown was caused by an illegal electrical connection, preliminary investigations of the Guyana Fire Service have suggested.
The GFS, in a release to the media, has said the Fire department received reports of the fire at about 15:32h, and water tenders from the Central and West Ruimveldt Fire Stations responded, with the Prison water bowser supporting. Upon arrival, firefighters observed the wooden-and-concrete building, which was unoccupied at the time, engulfed in flames.

As such, three jets operating from a water tender were used, along with the Prison bowser, to extinguish the fire, but the building and its contents were completely destroyed.
However, investigations revealed that the fire was the result of illegal electrical wires and wiring, which caused arcing and sparking, resulting in the fire, which spread to nearby combustibles and the entire building.
Also affected by the fire was another two-storey building located at Lot 25 Norton Street, owned by Carl Gill.
Due to radiated heat from the building of origin, one black tank, a quantity of PVC pipe, ceiling, and guttering were destroyed, and one washing machine was severely damaged.
The Guyana Fire Service is warning citizens to desist from using illegal connections to obtain electricity. “These connections present a serious risk to both life and property, since they could cause fires or electrocutions,” the GFS has added.