Fire that ravaged Demerara Shipping workshop deliberately set – GFS

The fire that destroyed a workshop belonging to Demerara Shipping Company Limited and caused massive damage to other businesses along Water and Lombard Streets was deliberately set.

This was confirmed by the Guyana Fire Service one day after the blaze started in the workshop operated by Demerara Shipping Company Limited. According to information received, the fire was purposely set to a low-bed truck parked inside the workshop by unidentified persons.

It was reported that the fire started at about 3:00h, and within minutes, the workshop, which is also used as a spare parts bond, was completely engulfed. However, due to the intensity of the fire, an adjacent building, which housed a tailor shop once owned by the late Hermon Bholaisingh and several other businesses, caught fire.

The top flat of Hermon Bholaisingh’s property was completely destroyed, leaving at least seven persons making alternative living arrangements.

Nevertheless, the fire tenders and firefighters from the central fire station were deployed to the area and sprang into action. Their swift response contained the blaze, stopping it from spreading to other buildings. Two other buildings-J’s Machining and Hardware and the DSL Office and Bond-also sustained damage due to the intense heat from the fire.

In addition to the low-bed hauler, one canter, two forklifts, and a quantity of spare parts were also destroyed. Investigations are ongoing.