Morning fire destroys house in Pickstock
This morning, the frightening sight of thick, black smoke rising in the air over the fire prone Pickstock Division, sent nervous residents into panic mode and left one family without a home. News 5’s Jacqueline Woods reports.
Jacqueline Woods, Reporting
Thick smoke filled the skies over Belize City this morning as flames engulfed the upper flat of a two-storey concrete house at number twenty-two Fredrick Alley.
Nervous neighbours rushed to remove their household items as the fire threatened to spread into the congested community. But within minutes fire fighters arrived on the scene, quick to lay down hoses along Pickstock Street and through alley ways to attack the fire from the different positions. There was no shortage of volunteers, as onlookers were eager to help department navigate through yards and over fences to battle the blaze.
Ted Smith, Assistant Fire Chief
“The second storey building was already engulfed in flames, flames coming through the windows and doors and so forth. The department went into operations and a few lines were run and we tackled the fire. Then further, we had a pitch ladder and had people inside to deal with the fire internally.”
According to assistant Fire Chief Ted Smith, because the building was a concrete structure, the heat was contained to the one home and reduced the opportunity for the flames to spreading to nearby wooden structures. The damaged house is owned Marie Wagner, but was home to Nancy Garcia and her two children. Wagner’s son, Wayne Wagner, lived in a small room located in the back. At the time of the blaze, Garcia was at work, but told us she had left the housekeeper at home.
Jacqueline Woods
“Nancy people are saying the maid first heard some sparks and then there were some flames.”
Nancy Garcia, Fire Victim
“Yes, that’s what she told me.”
Jacqueline Woods
“What was she doing at the time, was she cleaning?”
Nancy Garcia, Fire Victim
“She told me that she was in my room, that’s at the other end of the house, cleaning. And she said she just heard some sparks and looked in the back room, the washroom, and she just grabbed my baby and ran through the door. I don’t know what happened after that, I haven’t really gotten a chance to speak to her.”
Jacqueline Woods
“So you don’ know what may have started the fire?”
Nancy Garcia
“No idea what caused the fire.”
Jacqueline Woods
“Was she able to save anything?”
Nancy Garcia
“No, I think she got scared.”
Tonight, fire fighters are still trying to determine what started the fire. Jacqueline Woods for News 5.
