‘Unfit building’ burns down a day after Town Council warning

A fire during the wee hours of today at Pilot Street and Strand, New Amsterdam, Berbice, completely destroyed a two-story wooden house, which had been abandoned.

The blaze also partially damaged the ceiling and windows of the neighbouring building.

On Thursday, the New Amsterdam Town Council had posted a photograph of the abandoned building, with a caption saying that it was unfit for dwelling.

Moments after, the owner of the building made contact with the Town Council where the issue was discussed.

Divisional Fire Officer Clive McDonald told the media that about 4:50hrs today, they received information of the fire and two fire tenders and an ambulance were immediately dispatched to the scene.

Following an initial investigation, fire officials concluded that the blaze was not accidental.

“There is no electricity in the building—it’s unoccupied—so there is no natural source that could have caused the fire. Based on the scene analysis and the dynamics of the fire, we have deemed it malicious,” McDonald explained.

The case has been handed over to the police for further investigation, and authorities are treating it as suspected arson.

Meanwhile, in addressing ongoing communication challenges, McDonald acknowledged that the division’s main telephone line remains inactive.

In the meantime, the New Amsterdam Fire Station can be contacted via 333-2261.