Quick reaction averts major fire at Empire Shopping Plaza
by Shirwin Campbell
Guyana Chronicle
November 28, 2003
Quick reaction by Guyana Fire Service (GFS), Guyana Power Limited (GPL) and Guyana Water Inc. (GWI) averted a major disaster in the city yesterday after fire broke out at two locations.
Approximately 9:15 fire broke out at the top of a transformer on Regent Street, a stone's throw away from the GUYOIL Gas Station.
According to reports reaching the Guyana Chronicle, GPL arrived promptly and quickly shut off power supply in the area.
One hour later fire fighters were in a bond at the back of Empire Shopping Plaza fighting another fire, which reportedly started after attempts to switch on a bulb failed.
The fire was quickly extinguished and the Guyana Chronicle observed an employee of GPL disconnecting power supply to the area while a several co-workers monitored the situation.
An official from the water company explained that pressure was increased and their presence was to ensure a continuous flow of water.
Manager Cato Sanford, who spoke to members of the media after the fire, explained that the damage was not extensive and only an air conditioning unit was damaged. The fire did not enter the building but thick smoke was seen in the lower floor. Empire re-opened for business a few hours after.
The three-storied structure sells a wide range of electrical appliances, furniture, stationary, toys, clothing and footwear.
Later during the day the Chronicle was informed that an electrical wire in front of the Ministry of Youth Sports and Culture caught a fire creating quite a stir among pedestrians and occupants of that building, but it proved not to be as dangerous as the other fires since the flame vanished before the Fire Service was summoned.