Fire destroys Placencia entertainment spot

A fire has totally destroyed a popular entertainment spot in Placencia. The Sugar Reef bar, restaurant, and resort burned to the ground early this morning. According to co-owner Hannah Cowell, the blaze started sometime after three A.M. in the front section of the bar. Within a short time the flames spread to three cabanas and two other buildings, all constructed of wood with metal roofing. According to reports from witnesses, while there was no shortage of people prepared to fight the fire and the establishment lies on a narrow strip of land between the sea and lagoon, the growing village has no firefighting equipment or means to access its abundant water resources. Cowell told News 5 that she has no idea how the fire started. Damages are estimated at around two hundred thousand dollars. The buildings and contents were not insured. According to head of National Fire Service, Henry Baizar, while the service does not have the resources to maintain a presence in Belize’s many villages, they will help train and advise village authorities who wish to establish their own volunteer firefighting units.