New Amsterdam building destroyed in late night fire – INews Guyana

A fire on Saturday evening destroyed a three-storey wooden and concrete building along Princess Elizabeth Road, New Amsterdam, which previously housed the Ministries of Labour and Human Services and Social Security.

The structure, which was once two floors and later expanded, has been vacant since late last year after the relocation of both agencies.

Divisional Fire Officer Clive McDonald said the Guyana Fire Service received the fire call at approximately 21:16 hrs, and two fire units were immediately dispatched from the New Amsterdam Fire Station. Firefighters arrived within five minutes of the call.

However, McDonald explained that based on the intensity of the blaze upon arrival, it is estimated that the building had already been burning for about 15 minutes before the alarm was raised.

“Upon arrival, the entire structure was engulfed in flames. Crews immediately went into action to suppress the fire and prevent it from spreading to nearby buildings,” McDonald said.

The Divisional Fire Officer further confirmed that an electrical fault has been identified as the preliminary cause of the fire, which originated on the western side of the structure.

Nothing was salvaged, and no injuries were reported as a result of the massive blaze.

Despite the scale of the fire, however, firefighters were able to prevent it from spreading to neighbouring structures, including nearby residences and a church.

Investigations are continuing.

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