Electrical Fault Suspected in Queen Street Baptist Church Fire

Fire investigators believe an electrical issue may have sparked the early morning blaze that gutted the historic Queen Street Baptist Church in Belize City. According to Gladstone Bucknor, Belize District Station Supervisor for the National Fire Service, a power outage between 3:00 and 4:00 a.m. may have contributed to the fire, which ignited shortly after electricity was restored. Bucknor stated that investigators are examining burn patterns to confirm the exact point of origin but noted that electrical fires often result from power surges following an outage.

Commissioner of Police Chester Williams ruled out arson, stating that there is no evidence of criminal involvement. Preliminary findings suggest the fire started in an area where a malfunctioning light fixture was located, but final confirmation will come from the fire department’s ongoing investigation. Bucknor also urged residents to call the fire department directly at 9-9-0 in emergencies, as 9-1-1 calls must first be routed through the police, potentially delaying response times.

The fire was first reported around 4:30 a.m. when Queen Street resident Victor Cowo woke up to the smell of thick smoke. Stepping outside, he saw flames coming from one of the church’s windows and immediately called 911. As the fire intensified, he rushed back inside to secure his family’s documents and belongings. Cowo said it took what felt like 15 to 30 minutes for fire trucks to arrive, during which time he and his father tried to contain the blaze with buckets of water and a garden hose.

Four fire trucks—three from Belize City and one from Ladyville—were deployed to the scene. One truck experienced mechanical issues but was quickly repaired. Firefighters managed to control the blaze within an hour, preventing it from spreading to nearby buildings, though the school sustained damage to doors and burglar bars.

The destruction of Queen Street Baptist Church is a significant loss for Belize City, as the church had stood for over two centuries, serving both as a place of worship and a community support centre. Investigators will continue their assessment in the coming days to finalise the cause of the fire.