The multimillion-dollar Buddy’s establishment on Sheriff Street in Campbellville, Georgetown would have suffered major losses had it not been for the swift response and actions of the Guyana Fire Service in averting a major fire on Saturday.
Reports are that the fire began after one of the generators overheated and burst into flames. Businessman Omprakash “Buddy” Shivraj, proprietor of the establishment, disclosed that the entire southern section of the ground floor, which housed the generators, was in flames. He noted that the building is not powered by the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Inc, but by three generators.
The four-storey concrete building is currently being leased to a number of businesses: and houses a gym, restaurant and medical university, while the ground floor is undergoing renovation.
Fire fighter extinguishing the fire in the affected southern section of the ground floor
When this newspaper arrived on the scene, vehicular traffic was diverted from the affected section of Sheriff Street, and fire fighters were seen in full action in successful efforts to extinguish the flames.
Fire Chief Marlon Gentle told the media that the emergency call was received at about 10:30h and the GFS immediately responded, successfully containing the blaze.
The Fire Chief opined that the fire may have been caused by an electrical malfunction in one of the generator sets during operation.
He noted that the structure of the building has undergone significant changes since last year, and said it would have to be inspected to ensure that adequate fire safety measures have been implemented.
