Families homeless as massive fire ravages James Street, Albouystown

A devastating fire tore through James Street, Albouystown, on Thursday, destroying several homes and leaving multiple families homeless.

According to the Guyana Fire Service, six fire tenders were dispatched after reports that a wooden building was engulfed in flames. By the time crews arrived, the blaze had already spread to neighbouring properties, completely consuming at least three houses and damaging others.

Eyewitnesses described frantic scenes as residents rushed to rescue relatives and salvage what little they could. Many said they lost everything except a few personal documents and items they had with them. Among those affected was a single mother of three, who now faces an uncertain future.

Divisional Officer Otis Charles explained that firefighters were forced to prioritise preventing the blaze from spreading further, as one of the burning structures had already begun to collapse.

Navisa, a mother who was left in tears as she watched the remains of her home go up in flames, told Ignite News: “I was on my way to pick up my son. When I come back, I heard everything burn down.” She said she lost everything and is now pleading for assistance. Anyone interested in helping her can reach out at 674-1964.

Another mother, Vanity Arjun, who recently celebrated her baby turning two months, said she was on her way to drop lunch for her husband when she got the shocking news. “Me cousin call me and tell me you see the fire. I run Facebook, I see everything burn,” she recounted. Arjun can be reached at 619-1353 for anyone willing to assist.

While no fatalities were reported, the displaced families have been left without shelter. Neighbours have begun rallying to provide immediate support, even as the cause of the fire remains under investigation.