Fire Guts North West Secondary School at Mabaruma

25th of September, 2021. Region 1, Guyana, South America

Scores of Mabaruma residents in the North West District of Guyana, South America looked on in disbelief late on Friday night (24th of September, 2021) as the North West Secondary School was gutted by fire.

The fire of unknown origin was first observed around 22:00hrs. Reports are that within minutes , the entire building which houses the school was in flames. Persons on the ground related that attempts were made to put out the fire, but the wind, coupled with the intense heat, prevented persons from venturing near to the burning building. Around midnight, the blaze began to subside as residents formed a fire brigade to damp the blaze.

The school compound also houses a dormitory facility for students who travelled to the area  at far flung areas within the Mabaruma region.  

It is unclear if any students are housed at the dormitory but persons on the ground reported that no one sustained any injuries.

The school is rich in history and many past students looked on with varying emotions including anger and disbelief. A facility which was expected to house personnel and equipment from the Guyana Fire Service was built in Mabaruma in 2019, but the facility, which is located within minutes from the school, remains non-functional.