Major catastrophe averted after fire breaks out at GPL Power Station

Mar 20, 2018 News

A major catastrophe avoided at GPL Inc. yesterday

Fire fighters were able to avert a major catastrophe, yesterday, after a fire broke out in the compound of the Guyana Power and Light Inc, (GPL) Power Station in Water Street, Kingston.

Kaieteur News has learnt that the fire which was started by a man who was welding a truck in the compound, was averted by the quick intervention of members of the GPL and Guyana Fire Service. The truck was located a short distance away from the GPL fuel tanks.

According to Fire Chief, Marlon Gentle, the firefighters responded to a call around 14:30 hours yesterday with at least six fire trucks and a vehicle laden with foam.

“When they got here, they encountered a truck on fire. The fire had already spread to a holding area that contained Bunker C fuel or some type of fuel. We were able to contain the fire, using our resources as well as the in-house fire fighting resources of the company,” he said.

Gentle told reporters further that the robust response of the fire fighters saved the day.

The Fire Chief proclaimed the incident to be a testament to the periodic drills that are carried out at such facilities.

“Definitely, this was not a rehearsal but we were able to do a proper response, a timely response at this facility,” he said. Gentle noted however that a full-damage assessment would be conducted after all the pipes and other areas have been cooled.

Meanwhile officials attached to GPL explained that the transmission of electricity to customers was not disrupted as a result of the fire.

“The electricity supply was not disrupted during the fire and that was not likely to occur in the aftermath of the blaze that occurred in the yard just south of Barrack Street,” an official stated.

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