Fire damages General Auto Parts building   |29 January 2024

The remains of the General Auto Parts building after Friday night’s fire (Photo: Joena Meme)

Fire damaged the roofing and the last floor of the General Auto Parts building on Friday evening, according to the Seychelles Fire and Rescue Services Agency.

The agency confirmed the incident in a press conference on Saturday morning, stating that there were no casualties despite substantial damages to the building, which houses several businesses.

According to deputy chief fire officer Jones Madeleine, the call came in at 11.55pm, and the crew which was deployed with three fire engines,found the situation to be dire.

Accessing the fire was a difficult task, as there is a dental office nearby, which contained chemicals, making it harder for the raging inferno to be put under control, explained Mr Madeleine.

Another hazard was the building’s electrical work, which interrupted all attempts to put out the blaze by 1am, added Mr Madeleine.

The operation resumed once the Public Utilities Corporation (PUC) had eliminated all threats. “We managed to put it out at around 4am to 4.30am but stood on standby to ensure it was extinguished completely,” said Mr Madeleine.

He added that his officers were helped by a company, namely HIS, which provided a forklift for them to gain access to the roof.

“The damage to the building is severe, with some concrete partitions that are now cracked by the effect of heat and water,” explained the deputy chief fire officer.

The Seychelles Fire and Rescue Services Agency (SFRSA) said the businesses will not resume operations in the building at present as there are assessments that need to be done to guarantee the tenants’ safety.

The SFRSA has already started its investigation to establish the source of the fire.

By Sunny Esparon