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Firefighters under probe for alleged laptop theft at fire scene
(Kaieteur News) – The Guyana Police Force (GPF) has launched an investigation into allegations that two firefighters stole a laptop while responding to a fire on Quamina Street, Georgetown.
Fire Chief Gregory Wickham confirmed the probe during a recent engagement with reporters, noting that the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) has also commenced an internal investigation.
“We have a report on that and the police are dealing with all of those issues,” Wickham stated.
He explained that the firefighters have not been detained and remain on active duty to facilitate the internal probe. “We are doing our internal investigations also; that’s why they are coming on duty so that we can carry out our investigations,” he added, while revealing that the laptop has since been recovered and returned.
Quamina guest house gutted by fire.
The allegation stems from a fire on March 25 that destroyed the Quamina Guest House on Quamina Street, Georgetown. The blaze was discovered between 01:30hrs and 02:00hrs. While the cause of the fire remains unknown, one guest recalled the terrifying moment she became aware of the danger.
“I smelled something burning but didn’t check right away. After a while, I opened my eyes and noticed smoke coming from the top of my room door. I immediately jumped off the bed, alerted others, opened the door, and ran out,” she said.
Owner of the guest house, Patrick John, said he was alerted to the fire by a phone call while asleep with his wife and baby. “I was asleep with my wife and baby when my phone started ringing. Someone told me something was happening at the hotel and that there was a lot of noise. At first, I thought it was a regular disturbance, like people arguing. But then I heard that there was a fire. We ran out of the house, and by the time we got outside, the fire service was already there trying to control the blaze,” he explained. John said the fire resulted in millions of dollars in losses but expressed relief that his home was not affected. “A lot of people lost a lot, including the Cuban guests. It’s a sad situation, but it is out of my control,” he said.
The building also housed several businesses on its lower flat, all of which suffered significant damage. Colleen Abrams, owner of Matpal Crew Management, said she received a call informing her of the blaze.
“We got a call indicating there was a fire in the building where our crew management office is located. When we arrived, there was still evidence of the fire, and firefighters were working to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading,” she said. Abrams noted that the building was completely engulfed, resulting in devastating losses due to both fire and water damage. “Assets that we had in the office were destroyed,” she added.
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One thought on “Firefighters under probe for alleged laptop theft at fire scene”
THE BLUNT OF THE DAY
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Weekend Cartoon
A laptop was stolen by Guyana’s firefighters attending to a fire.
Damn ! These Public Servants cannot keep their hands off of other
people’s property.
The Fire Chief need to have all the Fire Fighters re-trained in fire fighting
and for them to keep their hands off of property that clearly not theirs.
However, a crime was committeed and those need to face charges for grand
theft, despite the laptop returned to the owner.
EVERY PIECE OF ITEM AT A FIRE SCENE IS EVIDENCE TO BE EXAMINED TO DETERMINE CAUSE OF FIRE. THEY ARE NOT FOR
TAKE-AWAY, LIKE AT A RESTAURANT.