…hotel scorched
Several businesses have been affected by a fire on Monday night that destroyed a building at 11 Strand New Amsterdam, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).
The fire of unknown origin flattened the two-story building, which housed Bob and Sons Supermarket and Haniff Bacchus clothing and music store along with an airline.
The blaze also destroyed a part of the Penguin Hotel.
Firefighters battle the blaze to prevent major destruction to the hotel despite being hampered by poor water supply.
They were also successful in preventing the fire from burning the building that houses Scotia Bank, New Amsterdam.
Sources told this publication that the flames were initially seen emanating from the upper flat of the building. The upper flat was unoccupied.
The fire service arrived and despite their efforts, they could not prevent the fire from moving to the lower flat.
The supermarket situated on the northern side of the building started showing signs that the fire had moved to the lower flat.
The danger posed by dozens of bottles of cooking gas caged in front of the building prevented firefighters from breaking their way into the supermarket.
Hanif Bacchus said there were several hundred thousand dollars’ worth of shoes burning.
“I just brought in a lot of shoes,” he said as he watched the fire ravage the section of the building which also housed a music center that he operated.
New Amsterdam’s Mayor Wainwright McIntosh said it was a sad event noting that several persons will be out of a job.
“It will have a big impact on the business community,” he told Guyana Times.
Firefighters were challenged by a lack of adequate water coming from three hydrants that they accessed.
Nevertheless, they were able to prevent damage to several other close by buildings.
they also received assistance from a heavy shower which came as the flames started to spread on the roof of Penguin Hotel. (Andrew Carmicheal)
