He cited two factors that are mainly responsible for these fires -children who are left home alone, and the 'stealing' of electricity.

In a recent interview with the Guyana Information Agency (GINA) the Fire Chief noted that most of the accidental fires occur in homes.

While acknowledging the existence of many single-parent households in the society, Washington urged parents to find an alternative method of caring for their children instead of leaving them at home unsupervised.

When children are left on their own, they usually play with matches, and in many cases, they perish in the fires that result from this activity.

"I know it would be a little difficult in terms of monetary constraints, but it is a problem they would have to face," he added.

Mr. Washington also explained that in Georgetown the houses are relatively close to each other therefore when a fire occurs other properties are damaged or destroyed.

Illegal connections of electricity are common occurrences, and when there is an upsurge of electricity, fires can result. The Fire Chief urged all guilty parties to cease this illegal activity.

"Adhere to fire safety rules, for whatever we have built or produced should not be destroyed by fire" advised Mr. Washington.