Bucket brigade saves Essequibo house from full destruction by fire

A group of neighbours in Westbury Village, Jonestown, Essequibo Coast, prevented a house from being completely destroyed by fire on Friday.

Using a bucket brigade, they managed to extinguish the flames before firefighters arrived.

According to the Guyana Fire Service (GFS), emergency responders received the fire call at approximately 13:26h. However, by the time they arrived, the fire had already been put out by the brave efforts of the community members.

The blaze, reportedly caused by a makeshift drop cord with a slack connection that sparked and ignited nearby combustible materials, led to damage on the northeastern walls of the house.

Several household items were also destroyed, including a wardrobe, two full-size mattresses, and three window curtains.

The affected property, a one-flat concrete house measuring 15m x 12m, was home to 71-year-old Selena Biedder, along with eight other occupants: Keisha Payne, 21; Eon Marks, 37; Kerry Biedder, 20; Seon Payne, 18; Jermaine Williams, 15; Annializa Marks, 8; Alisha Torrenton, 12; and Emily Torrenton, 16. Fortunately, no lives were lost in the incident.

The Guyana Fire Service is urging the public to use proper extension cords to prevent electrical fires. They also advise against overloading electrical sockets and power strips, as these practices significantly increase the risk of fire hazards.