Fire Leaves Family Homeless, Victim Appeals for Help

A fire has left Steve Miles, a retired malaria and dengue evaluator, and his family homeless after their home was destroyed while they were away. The blaze, which consumed the structure and all their belongings, has left the family urgently seeking help to rebuild their lives.

The fire broke out before noon today on Dougal Street in Belize City.

Miles explained that he, his wife, and grandson were not home when the fire started. He was alerted via telephone by several neighbours. He first thought it was the smoke from a fog machine that was being used around his house against mosquitos.

“When I came up Raccoon Street, I saw the smoke,” he recalled. “I said, well, that’s not right—that’s my house. When we reached here, the house was up in flames.”

According to Miles, the fogging machine might have been the cause of the fire. He speculated that the machine may have left behind embers that sparked the blaze.

Efforts to extinguish the fire were reportedly hampered when the first fire truck on the scene ran out of water, allowing the flames to spread further. Miles stated, “The fire engine made it out, but apparently it looked like the first fire truck ran out of water.”

The fire left the family with nothing.

Having lived at the location for over two decades, Miles estimated the loss of his home and belongings at around $100,000. He is now appealing for assistance to help him and his family recover.

“We don’t save anything,” Miles said. “If anybody could help me with clothes, food, or donations, I’d appreciate it. We’re trying to get back on our feet.”  Miles, his wife Marilyn, and their grandson are temporarily staying with a family member but have no furniture or basic necessities.

“We’ve lost everything, but I hope we can rebuild. With help, I know we can have a shelter again.”

Anyone willing to assist can contact Miles at 615-6068 or 626-0645.