11-month-old baby dies in Sophia fire after siblings play with matches

A heart-wrenching tragedy struck the community of Cummings Park, ‘E’ Field Sophia Reserve, Greater Georgetown, on Saturday after 11-month-old Melveena Angel Blair lost her life in a fire that ravaged her family’s home.

The blaze, which erupted around 11:18 h, has left the family homeless. The fire completely consumed the wooden structure, measuring approximately 3.3m x 2.6m, destroying the family's belongings. The victims include parents Tineisha Israel, 34, Carl Blair, 33, and their children—Carl Blair Jr., 6, Carlton Blair, 4, and Carlos Blair, 2. One sibling suffered third-degree burns and was swiftly transported to the Georgetown Public Hospital for urgent medical care. Emergency responders, including Water Tenders 113 and 105, WC19, and an ambulance, were quickly dispatched to the scene. The crew consisted of 25 personnel, including 15 firefighters.

Despite the heroic efforts of neighbours, who used buckets of water to extinguish the flames, the fire spread rapidly, leaving little chance for escape.

Preliminary investigations conducted by the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) indicate that the fire was accidentally ignited by children playing with matches.

The flames came into contact with nearby combustible materials, quickly engulfing the wooden structure. No adult was present at the time of the incident.

The children's mother was reportedly working just five houses away, leaving them unsupervised.

Minister of Home Affairs Robeson Benn, visited the scene to offer condolences and support to the grieving family.

Accompanied by Chief Fire Officer Gregory Wickham, Minister Benn met with family members and police officers from the Turkeyen Police Station to discuss the tragic incident.

Expressing deep sorrow over the infant’s death, Minister Benn extended heartfelt condolences on behalf of the government and the Guyana Fire Service.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, also visited the affected family and offered immediate assistance to help them cope with their devastating loss.

In light of this tragedy, the Guyana Fire Service is urging parents and guardians to prioritise fire safety in their homes.

They noted the importance of educating children on the dangers of fire ensuring that homes are equipped with fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and accessible buckets of sand to prevent future incidents.