Banjul — A serious fire outbreak, last Tuesday, ravaged an entire compound in Essau, North Bank Region. The fire is reported to have burned the house into ashes as it got beyond control.

Speaking to the Daily Observer shortly after the incident, Isatou Sarr Brito, the wife of the landlord, said the fire outbreak started at around 5pm but the cause of the fire at the time of going to the press was still unknown. Narrating how they came to notice the fire, Brito said on that day at the said time while they were sitting in the compound, they scented smoke. They then went around the compound to find the source, and saw smoke coming out of their house. Â"When we went to contain it, it was impossible as the fire was so serious. My daughter then called the Fire and Rescue Services in Barra to come to our aid but they said their vehicle had a breakdown. Then our neighbours came to our aid to extinguish the fire,Â" she explained.

According to her, at the time of the incident, most of the children were in school and there was no casualty. Despite the fact that there was no casualty, she added, their belongings were all burnt to ashes. Â"Now we are sheltered in the other side of the compound,Â" she added. She then appealed to the government, NGOÂ's and individuals to help them as according to her, they cannot afford to renovate the house.

For Kemo Njie, a relative to the victims, described the situation as very serious, noting that the victims are in urgent need of help. Omar Brito, the landlord, said at the time of the incident, he was at work when his daughter called and informed him about the incident. According to him, upon his arrival, he found their belongings entirely burnt.

When our reporter visited the Barra Fire and Rescue Service officers to confirm their lack of presence at the said scene, the officer-in-charge was not there, but one Salifu Baldeh, an officer who was on duty, confirmed that at the time of the incident, their vehicle had a problem.

Anyone who wants to help this family can contact the Daily Observer on 4414424 / 4414426 / 9802251 / 9861235.