A devastating blaze consumed a residence in Lake Mainstay village, Essequibo Coast, today at around 09:50 hrs, leaving a family of seven without a home. The property, a one-story wooden structure measuring 20 feet in length and 15 feet in width, was owned and inhabited by Sherwin De Young, his wife, Anice De Young, and their five children aged ten, eight, five, three, and one.
At the time of the fire, Mr. De Young was away at work, and two of their children were attending school. According to Mrs. De Young, who was occupied with some yard work, she was alerted when one of her daughters rushed out, exclaiming, “Mom, there’s smoke in the house!” Upon investigation, she discovered the fire had already taken hold of the northern side of the dwelling. She swiftly gathered her three children in the dining area and fled the premises.
The distress call quickly spread through the village, prompting local residents to rush to their aid. The Guyana Fire Service (GFS) was summoned, but despite their efforts, the fire raged on, ultimately reducing the building to ashes, along with all their household appliances and possessions.
Regional Commander Superintendent K. Shivbaran, along with other police personnel, visited the scene of the tragic incident. It’s worth noting that the house had been constructed approximately thirteen years ago with the assistance of the ‘Food for the Poor’ organization.
