Fire in Couva leaves elderly couple homeless

A house in Couva was completely destroyed by fire yesterday, leaving two elderly persons homeless. Reports are that around 10.15am the Couva Fire Station promptly responded to a SOS call that a house on Brice Street in Couva was on fire. The wooden structure valued at $60,000 and its contents at $50,000 had been occupied by husband and wife, Launa Granger and Frankey Headley, for four years. Newsday understands that when the fire appliances arrived on the scene the building, which is said to be uninsured, was already engulfed in raging flames. However, the fire fighters were able to extinguish the flames that had already reached the next door neighbours’ house, who at the time were holding a Christmas fund raiser for the pre-school that is situated on the compound.

Two party tents and a dozen white plastic chairs were also destroyed by the blaze, in addition to the house. Newsday understands that Granger was home alone at the time of the fire when on smelling and seeing smoke coming from the kitchen area summoned the neighbours for help. When Newsday arrived on the scene Granger was nowhere to be found for comment. It was reported that she was so distraught over the situation that she went to the nearby home of a relative. The cause of the fire is yet to be determined. Sub-station officer Ramlochan of the Couva Fire Station is spearheading investigations.