A major fire gutted a commercial building near the Stabroek Market Square in Georgetown on Saturday night, forcing the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) to deploy additional firefighting resources as crews battled to prevent the flames from spreading to neighbouring businesses.
The blaze erupted at a three-storey building housing a clothing and cosmetics store on Croal Street, situated between the formerly occupied KFC outlet and Pizza Hut.
Acting Chief Fire Officer Dwayne Scotland confirmed that the Fire Service received an emergency call at approximately 8:25 p.m., prompting the immediate dispatch of three firefighting vehicles.
However, by the time the first responders arrived, flames had already engulfed the building, forcing firefighters to request additional assistance.
Three more firefighting vehicles were subsequently dispatched as crews intensified their efforts to bring the inferno under control.
Scotland explained that the close proximity of the surrounding buildings created additional challenges, particularly as firefighters worked to prevent the flames from causing more extensive damage.
A hydraulic platform was brought into operation, allowing firefighters to tackle the blaze from an elevated position.
The operation also received support from the Guyana Police Force and Banks DIH, which provided additional firefighting assistance.
Reports from the scene indicated that several nearby street vendors suffered damage to their stalls and merchandise as the fire swept through the commercial area.
There were also reports that flames had reached the adjoining building formerly occupied by KFC, although Scotland initially reported that firefighters had managed to restrict the blaze to the building where it originated. The full extent of the damage to neighbouring properties was not immediately established.
The fire also resulted in electricity interruptions in sections of Georgetown, including parts of Water Street, Lombard Street, Alexander Village and River View.
The cause of the blaze remains unknown, and the Guyana Fire Service is expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
