The Guyana Fire Service responded swiftly to an early morning fire on Sunday, June 1, 2025, at Joseph Pollydore Street, Lodge, Georgetown. The call was received at 05:20hrs.

Upon arrival, firefighters encountered a blaze at a two-storey wooden and concrete building, which was identified as a church hall. The property, owned by Hon. Bishop Juan Edghill, sustained severe damage to the structure and its contents.

The building measured approximately 11.8m by 10.8m. Fortunately, no persons were reported homeless or injured as a result of the incident.

Fire tenders WT#124, 95 and W/C#28, 24 were dispatched, along with 18 firefighters under the command of Officers S/L Watts, S/L Devent, L/FM Roberts, and L/FM Thompson. Extinguishment was carried out using two jets from W/C #23 and #24.

Initial investigations suggest the fire was caused by a defective light bulb, which created arcing and sparking, leading to the ignition of nearby combustible materials.

The Guyana Fire Service urges the public to ensure all electrical fittings and appliances are properly maintained, to avoid overloads and the overuse electrical circuits.