A devastating fire erupted on the fourth floor of the Fireside Suites hotel, located at Lot 154 Garnett Street, Newton Kitty, Georgetown on Saturday. The Guyana Fire Service (GFS) received the distress call at 14:53 hrs, and within three minutes, crews were on the scene, initiating firefighting operations. By 14:57 hrs, the first water jet was deployed to combat the blaze.
Emergency response units, including Water Tenders #105 and #118, Water Carrier #19, Hydraulic Platform #3, and Ambulance #25, were swiftly dispatched. The response team was led by Sub Officers Jackson and Liverpool, along with Section Leader Kingston, Leading Fireman Dickenson, eight firefighters, and three Emergency Medical Technicians. A total of 10,978 liters of water were brought to the scene by the water tenders, aiding in the firefighting efforts.
The fire caused significant damage, completely destroying the fourth floor of the building, which is a mixed structure of wood and concrete. Firefighters employed three jets from Water Tenders #105 and #118 and used Hydraulic Platform #3, along with Water Carrier #19, which sourced additional water from an open supply. The rapid and coordinated response was critical in containing the damage to the fourth floor, preventing the fire from spreading further throughout the four-storey building.
Fortunately, no injuries or fatalities were reported. Building owner Mr. Simon Francis confirmed that all occupants were safely evacuated and no one was left homeless due to the fire.
Chief Fire Officer Gregory Wickham commended the government of Guyana for its investment in the Bronto Skylift, a unique hydraulic platform that played an instrumental role in extinguishing the fire and preventing further damage. This platform, the only one of its kind in the Caribbean, allowed firefighters to quickly access and control the blaze from above.
The cause of the fire is under investigation by the GFS’s fire prevention department.
In the wake of the incident, the Guyana Fire Service is reminding the public of the vital importance of fire safety. The GFS urges all businesses and homeowners to review and update their fire prevention measures regularly. Homeowners are particularly advised to equip their homes with fire extinguishers and smoke detectors, and to ensure a clear evacuation plan is in place to protect lives and property in case of emergency.
