Illegal Electrical Connection Causes Fire on Emma Street, Belize City

A couple is displaced after a fire destroyed their home on Emma Street in the Saint Martin’s area. The fire started in the living room and spread quickly to engulf the wooden structure. An investigation into the fire indicates that the blaze was as a result of an electrical overload. Station Supervisor of the National Fire Service, Kenneth Mortis told the media today that the family had an illegal connection to a lamppost.

Kenneth Mortis

Kenneth Mortis, Station Supervisor, Belize National Fire Service

“We did an extensive investigation regarding the fire that took place on Emma Street. We can definitely rule out arson, as speculated by the residents. Our investigation has confirmed that the fire started in the living room of the structure as a result of an electrical overload. Well as you can see this morning, the building was totally destroyed as a result of the fire. And unfortunately for the occupants of the building, Mister Frederick and his common-law wife, the building was not insured and neither were the contents. They suffered total lost in terms of building, contents and personal documents. If I am allowed to emphasize, this couple was using an illegal connection from the B.E.L. lamppost that was supplying them with electricity.”