Several Belize City Fires Over Easter Weekend

Kenneth Mortis

Firefighters in Belize City fought two house fires in the old capital on Saturday night. The first of three fires that night began on Antelope Street extension where fire fighters received reports of a fire in progress. At the scene, personnel discovered two structures being consumed by flames. Unfortunately, one of the two structures was completely destroyed, while the other remained intact with only minor damages. It has been determined that the fire was started by faulty electrical connections. Immediately following that incident, reports came in of another fire near the riverside. Only, this time investigators suspect that the fire – which completely destroyed a wooden structure and a Kia Sorento – was set with malicious intent.

Kenneth Mortis, Fire Station Supervisor, Belize National Fire Service

“We started off over on Antelope Street Extension which for some reason seem to be a hot spot for fires lately. That one started just before midnight, whereby on our arrival again we observed two structures in a yard, one being the occupant of Alfredo David. Unfortunately for Mr. David, his entire house was destroyed by the fire. The neighboring structure on the same yard, behind the occupant of one Benito Fernandez, fortunately for him his damage was much more minimal. He sustained damage to the exterior siding which consumed some of the wiring and a portion of the roof. Fortunately for him, he still has a home to go into. That fire was as a result of an illegal connection. It then spread to Mr. Fernandez’s structure. Almost upon conclusion of that fire, we were alerted of one over on River Side, on the opposite side of town where we saw an elevated zinc structure. We know that building wasn’t occupied. Just beneath that house, a 2005 Kia Sorento was parked. Our investigation with that fire, thanks to the Police Department, we conclude that fire was a malicious act. Somebody definitely set that fire ablaze. There were two portions of the fire to support the blaze. The perpetrator/s made sure to ensure that the job was accomplished. We had a fire started in the vehicle and they actually set a second fire on the rear of the building where a bedroom was located. So far, the occupant of that structure hasn’t forth come as yet. So again, I cannot tell you who own the building.”