A devastating fire ripped through a house in New Amsterdam, Berbice, on Saturday afternoon, leaving a family homeless and destroying all their possessions. The blaze, which occurred in the Stanleytown area, quickly engulfed the two-story wooden structure, reducing it to ashes within minutes.

Eyewitnesses reported seeing thick black smoke billowing from the upper floor of the house around 2:30 PM. The fire rapidly spread, fueled by the wooden construction and household items.

The Guyana Fire Service responded promptly to the emergency call, dispatching two fire tenders to the scene. Despite their swift arrival, firefighters faced challenges in containing the blaze due to its intensity and the building’s wooden structure.

Fortunately, no injuries or fatalities were reported, as the occupants managed to evacuate safely before the fire consumed the entire building. However, the family lost all their belongings in the inferno.

Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing, with fire officials conducting a thorough examination of the site. Initial reports suggest that an electrical malfunction may have triggered the blaze, but this remains unconfirmed pending the completion of the investigation.

The local community has rallied to support the affected family, with neighbors and social services offering temporary accommodation and essential supplies. The Berbice Chamber of Commerce and Industry has also pledged to assist in the family’s recovery efforts.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of fire safety measures and the need for regular electrical system inspections in homes, particularly in older wooden structures common in New Amsterdam.