Weekend Fire on La Isla Bonita Destroys Golf Cart Rental Company

An overnight fire in San Pedro during the wee small hours of Saturday, destroyed a structure, including an office, a garage, as well as twenty golf carts belonging to Road Runner Rentals.  It’s a significant loss for the proprietor, a Lebanese businessman who operates the rental company on the island town.  Contrary to what has been published elsewhere in the media, the National Fire Service is yet to determine the cause of the fire, as well as the value of damages to the property.  Earlier today, Station Officer Kenneth Mortis shared additional details of the incident with reporters here in Belize City.

Kenneth Mortis

Kenneth Mortis, Station Officer, National Fire Service

“Saturday morning, in the early hours of about two a.m., the San Pedro Fire Department was alerted and informed of a fire in progress on the north side of the island whereby a structure and an alleged golf cart were on fire.  We arrived at that location and we observed what was the structure being housed at the time by Mr. Aban and his wife, Ms. Yvette, twenty-nine and thirty years old, respectively… fire being concentrating the structure that this couple was occupying and it consumed one of twenty operational golf carts.  The fire was extinguished, preventing further damage; however, unfortunately at this current time, the cause of the fire has not been determined as yet and we are hoping that at least by the end of today our San Pedro counterparts can actually relay to us what caused this fire.  It has not been confirmed if the building was insured and we are hoping that we can ascertain that as well.

Isani Cayetano

“Is there a value that has been determined thus far, in terms of the extent of losses, financial extent?”

Kenneth Mortis

“At the moment, that hasn’t been determined as yet.  Prematurely, we were told that it was somewhere around a million dollars; however, like I said, we need confirmation on that figure.”

Reporter

“Are there any indications that it could have been an arson?”

Kenneth Mortis

“It’s too early to tell, the area has been investigated thoroughly.  We haven’t found anything conclusive to support such.  Again, this is only premature information that we received.  The allegation is that it has to do with an electrical flaw.  We’ve sent out assistance for Mr. Smith to aid in concluding this fire and I’m hoping again, I can only say that by the end of today we are hoping we can conclude the cause.”