22 hrs yesterday

nice6boyt7

Fire of unknown origin completely destroyed a government building in Region Eight yesterday.According to the Government Information and News Agency (GINA) at approximately 14:22 hrs yesterday, the Regional Administration received a fire call and immediately dispatched its fire tender. The tender arrived within four minutes of the initial call. The Tender was driven by the Regional Executive Officer Ronald Harsawack and another staff, who were both in the Administrative compound at the time of the call.On arrival, two of the four apartments of the wooden and concrete structure were alight, aided by a heavy wind. This building housed staff from the Health, Administrative and Public Works Departments of Region Eight. Additional ranks of the Mahdia Fire Auxiliary Brigade later arrived to provide back up.Harsawack said the 450-gallon tank supply was exhausted within three minutes of operation. At that time, the fire was initially contained until gas cylinders exploded sending flames throughout the entire structure. At this point the fire appliance sought to access water from an overhead reservoir from a nearby gas station however, efforts proved futile. The tender then proceeded to a nearby creek to replenish its supply.Two of the now homeless victims collapsed at the roadside and immediate medical attention was rendered by the doctors on site. They were subsequently treated at the Mahdia District Hospital for elevated blood pressure and smoke inhalation.An adjoining building which houses the doctors was saved with only minor damage to its windows.Members of the Mahdia Fire Brigade and staff of the Regional Administration manned the operation while assistance was rendered by public spirited citizens. The Guyana Police Force was instrumental in keeping the large crowd away.Twelve persons from four families lost all of their belongings. The cause of the fire is still unknown. The Guyana Fire Service is expected to launch an investigation.REO Harsawack said the Regional Administration has made alternative arrangements for housing and other related needs for the victims. The Administration would like to thank members of the public for their support.