A massive fire at a business compound in Chase Village has resulted in tens of millions of dollars in estimated losses and damage to nearby buildings.
Despite the destruction, nearby residents and business owners say they are grateful the blaze was contained quickly.
Couva residents and business owners are today praising fire officials and the Water and Sewerage Authority for their quick response to a fire near the Chase Village flyover. They say, were it not for such an immediate response, the situation could have been worse and resulted in the loss of more businesses or even lives.
The fire on the Globe Manufacturing compound began at around 9.30 am.
Six fire tenders and more than 40 fire officers, along with water trucks and staff from the Water and Sewerage Authority, responded within minutes.
Deputy Chief Fire Officer, Ansar Ali confirmed that there were no casualties up to news time.
“Throughout the operations we were supported by WASA who boosted the supply in the area and in addition to that they had their trucks shuttling water to and from the site as it was needed. So we were well supported by them.”
A nearby homeowner said although he arrived home just minutes after the fire started, the extent of the damage to the nearby compound was already obvious.
“The smoke was flying over the house straight to the triangle and its still smoking there. it was worse than that, thicker and we were smelling like plastic and things like that burning so we locked off the house and tried to avoid the smoke and remained indoors. The Fire Service, thank God reported quickly and tried to contain the fire. But the smoke was still terrible.”
Nearby roadside vendors abandoned their stalls to help the authorities in whatever way they could.
“When we saw the large amount of smoke, it was a bit terrifying but the officers came and handle the situation quite well. I happen to be here supporting them, directing traffic as well too, so everything worked hand in hand and everything was under control.”
The vendors told TTT News this is the second time in 15 years there has been such a massive fire in the area.
The owners of the affected compound declined to speak on camera, but TTT News was informed that tens of millions of dollars in stock were destroyed.