Cause of Fire at B.A.L. Still Not Established

Fire officials are still investigating the cause of the fire that destroyed the processing plant at the Belize Aquaculture Limited on the Placencia Road. The fire broke out on Monday evening and the blaze grew to a threatening size as fire-fighters were told to stand down and allow the building to burn through the night. Smoke was first seen emanating from the southern middle portion, but since the building had a ridge vent it is unclear from where the fire was originating. Today, ACP Joseph Myvett told the media that the matter is still under investigation.

Joseph Myvett

ACP Joseph Myvett, Head, National Crimes Investigation Branch

“On Monday last, sometime around five-ten p.m., Independence police were called to the scene of a fire at the Belize Aquaculture Limited on the Placencia Road where upon arrival, the building was seen engulfed in flames. Initial police investigation revealed that sometime after four p.m., an employee of the company saw smoke coming from the main building which ended up completely destroyed by fire. At this time, the cause of the fire is still yet unknown as fire personnel is still on the scene trying to determine the cause and police investigation into the matter is ongoing. At this time also, the damages have not yet been ascertained and neither does the police know whether or not the contents of the building were insured.”

A release from Bowen and Bowen says that the incident will not affect the scheduled production of shrimps. As a result of the fire, a thick black smoke emerged containing traces of ammonia. Some of the residents in the nearby villages Santa Cruz and Santa Rosa reported feeling unwell throughout the night.