$M fire hits Penal

AN ELECTRICAL fault in an air-condition unit triggered a fire which completely destroyed two variety stores and scorched an upstairs apartment in Penal yesterday morning. Damage to the two-storey building and its contents, located within sight of the Penal Police Station is estimated at $1 million. Kanchan Harripersad, owner of Ave’s Variety Store, suffered minor burns to his right forearm and left leg after he tried to save his business place. The fire, which started around 7.30 am, quickly spread to an adjoining business place — Shanti’s Variety Store — owned by Shanti Bhaloo.

Meanwhile, Harripersad Dookee, his wife Ramdaye and her brother,  Chandraka Bajnathsingh, who lived upstairs the business places scampered  out of the house after they saw the flames. Harripersad told police that he opened his business place around 7.25 am and subsequently turned on the air-condition unit. He said he smelt smoke and saw the main panel of air-condition unit on fire. In attempt to extinguish the fire, Harripersad grabbed a piece of cloth and tried to extinguish the flames. However, the fire raged out of control and Harripersad was forced to evacuate the building. The fire rapidly spread to the other building.

Fortunately Siparia firefighters led by Ag FSSO Sedan arrived in time to extinguish the flames before it could spread to the upstairs apartment. Apart from the walls being scorched, the apartment was also water logged. Harripersad was treated for minor burns by paramedics attached to a fire service ambulance. The two businesses were not insured, police said. The building is owned by Lynette Persad who is currently out of the country. Visiting the scene was a party of officers from the Penal Police Station led by ASPs Christopher and Ali and including Sgt Palloo, WPC Minors and PC Mitchell. PC Mitchell is continuing investigations.