IT?TOOK?FIRE?OFFICERS just over four hours yesterday to battle a blaze which extensively damaged the top floor of Handyman’s Hardware at Westway Plaza, Cumberland Street in the City.
The fire started around 9:20 a.m. in the storeroom section, causing traffic to pile up along the adjoining Princess Alice Highway.
Managing director Ram Marchandani said she could not estimate the cost of the fire damage, since she could not gain access to the area which was still under investigation by police and fire officials.
She, however, added that the bottom floor section of the building had not been affected by the blaze.
Marchandani also assured that none of the employees at Handyman’s Hardware would be laid off, and hinted that with the Christmas season approaching she may have to employ additional staff.
Meanwhile, operations at the Courts Bridgetown store, which is situated at the rear of the burnt building, evacuated its staff as a precautionary measure. It also closed its store early.
Over 40 fire officers and six fire tenders under the command of acting Fire Chief Lloydston Phillips responded to the blaze. (TS)
