Almost half of 661 fires in 2003 deliberate
-Fire chief
Stabroek News
January 6, 2004
Almost half of the 661 fires that occurred in 2003 were deliberately set.
This is according to Fire Chief Carlyle Washington who is pleading with the public to be more careful.
"I am pleading [with everyone] to adhere to fire prevention and save lives and properties," Washington is quoted in a Government Information Agency (GINA) news release.Washington said domestic disputes were often the reason behind last year's fires, as people had a tendency to respond to conflict by setting buildings alight.
Five people died in fires last year, while 345 people were left homeless, a figure lower than 2002's 585.
Electrical faults were the second leading cause of fires, accounting for 278. This figure includes fires that were caused by illegal electrical connections put in place by consumers stealing power. Washington described this as an extremely dangerous practice and he is calling on persons using these connections to desist.
Fires caused by suspected arson were tallied at 43 and those caused by children playing with matches totalled 20.