Fire Destroys Home while Firefighters Stage Sick-out

A fire broke out earlier today in the Neals Penn Road area of Belize City. At the scene, we observed a fire truck, some firefighters, and scenes of crime officials. The house was completely destroyed.

The fire broke out while some 8 Belize City firefighters staged a sick-out today. As we reported, this follows a go-slow demonstration that began Friday over work schedule changes, salary concerns, and poor working conditions.

On Monday, Public Service Union (PSU) President Dean Flowers, along with firefighters, met with government officials to discuss their grievances. Flowers highlighted issues beyond overtime pay, including disparities in hazard and danger allowances. Minister of Disaster Risk Management Andre Perez defended the shift changes, citing budget constraints but assured that overtime would still be paid. Regarding corruption allegations in the department, Perez stated that an investigation requires concrete evidence.

Residents of the area believe that the cause of the fire was electrical. “We need electricity. We need those things back here to survive. So, that is what causes the fire, electrical,” a neighbour told News Five.

She added that the area is not officially established, meaning residents cannot apply for basic utilities like electricity. “I have a son who’s paralysed. I have to look after my son. He needs the electric house because he cannot feel the heat alone. He needs the fans; he needs the AC to survive, to live,” she said.

The woman who lost her house had worked tirelessly to build it from scratch while raising her children. She was at work when she received the heartbreaking call that her home had been destroyed.

The investigation is ongoing.