Eight people were left homeless yesterday after a fire of unknown origin destroyed a two-storey house at around 19:00 hrs at Lot 153 Half Mile, Wismar.
The building is the property of Volda Bonus, who lives in Barbados, and is occupied by the woman’s daughter, Pauline Bonus, her three children and other relatives. Kaieteur News understands that only a few belongings were saved.
Eyewitnesses said that from all appearances, the fire started in the upper flat, which was occupied at the time by Ms. Bonus and her children.
Bonus’s daughter and two grandchildren were in the lower flat when the fire started.
Ms. Bonus told Kaieteur News that she was sleeping at around 19:00 hours when she heard shouts of ‘fire’.
The woman said that she managed to grab a few belongings before exiting the building with her children.
Residents attempted to douse the flames but their efforts were futile.
Kaieteur News understands that a fire tender arrived at the scene from the Mackenzie Fire Station some 45 minutes later.
They were reportedly hampered by a lack of water in the area.