Arson major cause of fires in 2003
* 600 leave 345 homeless, 80 properties destroyed
Guyana Chronicle
January 6, 2004
GINA -- OVER the past month, a spate of fires left many persons homeless and destroyed properties, prompting the Fire Chief to express concern over the cause of these fires.
Fire Chief Carlyle Washington disclosed that the main factors causing these fires are the deliberate setting of buildings. He explained that this means when there are family disputes or husband and wife disputes (domestic disputes), they sometimes result in an individual reacting by setting fire to a building.
Leaving children at home unprotected and electrical fires caused by the stealing of electricity, were also catalysts for fires.
Washington said that in many cases parents leave their children home alone and they tend to light fires with matches.
Illegal connection of electricity is a common practice by consumers, and the Fire Chief pointed out, although it might seem to be a very cheap way of getting electricity, it is very dangerous. He is therefore urging the guilty parties to cease these illegal activities.
The GFS disclosed that for last year there have been 660 fires, with 20 fires resulting from children playing with matches; 278 fires caused by electrical faults; deliberate setting - 320 fires and 43 fires from suspected arson.
According to the Fire Chief, 345 persons became homeless last year compared to 585 in 2002, as a result of fires. Five persons lost their lives.
Washington is therefore urging the public to be more careful because fires are leaving many people homeless and destroying properties.
"I am pleading to Guyanese to adhere to fire prevention and save lives and properties," appealed the Fire Chief.
Parents are also advised not to leave children without supervision at home and not to store combustibles in the home.