Poor safety measures caused Parika Market fire; Fire Service takes no blame

The GFS said the first fire tender, which is located at the Leonora Fire Station, arrived at the scene at 3:36 PM. Other water tenders, a bowser, and two support vehicles from the Leonora, La Grange, Eccles, Campbellville, Central, and West Ruimveldt fire stations were immediately dispatched to the location, according to GFS.  “Five tenders, a water bowser, and two support vehicles, along with a total of 26 personnel, spent close to four hours trying to get the fire under control,” the Fire Service said.

The Fire Service deemed as “false” reports that firefighters arrived without water, saying that fire trucks carry 400 gallons of water, which is finished in a matter of minutes. The GFS said firefighters used water from the nearby Essequibo River.

“We sympathize with those who would have suffered loss, but we condemn all reports that suggest firefighters did not perform at their best given the situation.

Though it was a laborious task, our ranks were able to contain the blaze and prevent damage to many other nearby buildings, such as the post office, police station, and other private businesses,” the GFS said.