​Arsonists restarted Boroko fire: Report

It is believed that arsonists restarted the fire that burnt down the chain of shops in Boroko two months ago.

The investigative report was released this morning at the Fire Service Headquarters in Port Moresby.

Acting Chief Fire Officer, Bill Roo, together with investigating officer, Inspector Passingan Token, released the report revealing that the fires involving Papindo and Johnson’s Pharmacy buildings happened at about the same time.

However, they were unrelated to the Gutpla kaibar that went up in flames the previous afternoon (March 23).

The fire that had occurred on Wednesday afternoon had no effect whatsoever to Papindo and Johnson’s Pharmacy, including Jacobi Medical Center, Dragon Pokies and YMC.

“My firefighters prevented the fire from spreading to these buildings and brought the fire under control by approximately 7pm that evening.”

Roo added that the firefighters were still at the scene to make sure that all pockets of fire were fully extinguished before they left around 12:45am (Thursday, 24th March).

Roo said based on the investigations, the fire service maintains that the fires at Papindo and Johnson’s Pharmacy were unrelated to the Gutpla Kai bar fire.

According to investigations, the fire from the Gutpla Kai bar shop was examined to have started in a location upstairs in the kitchen.

“Due to the level of structural fire damage at the area of origin, investigations were limited and undetermined.

“On the other hand, Papindo and Johnson’s Pharmacy fires, according to investigations, were seen and observed as being a deliberate act of arson and this is now a police matter.”

The total loss, as provided by the owners in monetary value, is estimated at about K25 million.

(Loop file pic)

Author: 
Annette Kora