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Today, Our news team went to the island to see the aftermath of the blockburner. Daniel Ortiz reports with the help of imagery from the San Pedro Sun:

Daniel Ortiz Reporting
Initial reports say that as at least 88 people were left homeless in the aftermath of probably the biggest fire on San Pedro Island spread to the a large portion of block between Pescador Drive Buccaneer Street. This terrible blaze destroyed 11 buildings, 8 which were business places, and 3 of them homes. Another 6 buildings were partially damaged.

Seen here, the flames started spreading some time after 12 a.m., It quickly got out of control, and as these photos - courtesy the San Pedro Sun Newspaper - show, the residents formed bucket brigades to try to get it under control. Try as they might to assist the San Pedro Fire Department, the fire burned for approximately 4 hours straight. 

When it finally subsided, this is the mass wreckage it left in its wake, devastating 27 families, 21 of which lost everything.

Hon. Manuel Heredia Jr. - Chair, NEMO San Pedro
"We managed to control what could have been a much, much bigger disaster. Even though we believe this one was big, it could have been worse."

Daniel Guerrero - Mayor, San Pedro Town
"I am very thankful to the good Lord that not one life was lost. That was the main thing that I had in my mind last night."

Hon. Manuel Heredia Jr. 
"The buildings completely destroyed were eleven.  The total number of buildings partially destroyed [was] six. The number of businesses completely destroyed was eight and the number of businesses partially destroyed was six.  Total number of families affected were twenty-seven. Of that, it gives you 88 persons that were directly affected."

Daniel Guerrero
"Of course, They're really sad. They're hurt; I can see the expression of the face of my brother. He lost everything, and the other fire victims. I never realized that it was behind my family property. So, it was very close. One of my brothers lost everything. I lost something because I had used to have a bodega close by. But, the other buidings, one of the [town] councillors lost. That's a house that she had for rent, and then we had a business tour, El Dorado, completely gone. And then my cousin on the other side, the Lino's Meat Shop, he took a big loss also. But, the beauty of it last night was that the young girls and boys - you should have seen the bucket brigade. I am extremely happy that the people came out and helped. It's true; it's sad. It hurts that [there is] a lot of fire victims, but that's life. You never know when an accident will happen. If we know when the accident is going to happen, then it wouldn't be an accident."

But, Police say they aren't taking granted that it was indeed an accident. In fact, they've made detentions, and they have reasons to suspect arson, which they will follow up on.

ASP Henry Jemmott - Deputy OC, San Pedro
"At this time, both fire and police are engaged in separate investigations, but will at some point will conclude, and [we] will assist each other. We are doing a criminal investigation leading towards an arson. At this time, we have one person detained, and we have recorded 2 states, and we're just waiting for the power to come on, so that our officers can canvass some of the cameras within the area to assist with the investigation."

Daniel Ortiz
"Sir, do you all have any specific details at this time, any specific tips which lead you all to believe that arson may be a factor in this fire?"

ASP Henry Jemmott
"Yes we have tips, and that's why we're taking it to that angle. At this time, we are in the preliminary stages, and we would not like to disclose that because that is a part of the investigation. Later down in the investigation, we will disclose that investigation."

Micah Goodin - Amandala Newspaper
"But, can you tell us why an individual would want about 11 homes burnt down."

ASP Henry Jemmott
"It's a very difficult question, and I believe the intention wasn't that. But, because of the demographics of San Pedro, and the buildings that were involved, clearly showed that just by lighting anything within that area, it would have spread."

Those nearly 100 persons are on a very long road to recovery after having their lives turned upside down with this disaster. But, the People of San Pedro have been working to ensure that the victims don't have to struggle alone as they try to recover:

Member, San Pedro Lions Club (To the San Pedro Pedestrians passing by)
"Please help fire victims. We're receiving clothing can food, cash donations. All sorts of donations are welcomed. 88 people lost their homes last night in a tragic fire."

Carolina Kumul - San Pedro Lion's Club Secretary>br> "So, we as a non-profit organization are here with our gates open, receiving donations from the public, clothes food, any cash donations - to help the fire victims. We have been opened from 9 in the morning, and we will try to be here as late as possible. We're opening tomorrow as well."

Daniel Ortiz
"How as the response been from the general public?"

Nigel Belisle - President, San Pedro Lion's Club
"It has been overwhelming to see all the community members. They've come out, and they've supported this cause, and they're really helping the fire victims."

Hon. Edmond Castro - Minister of NEMO
"As the minister responsible for NEMO, I am out, first hand, as I do in every disaster area, to see the situation for myself. It's terrible to see about 11 or 12 houses directly affected from this fire. Many victims that were in shelters, are [now] staying with family or friends. But as NEMO, we are preparing barge to send to the island this evening, that will be assisting the fire victims with mattresses, table top stoves, food, and other emergency packages. So, that's on the way for them. We will be doing our best as the Government of Belize, through NEMO, to assist those victims until they could get back on their feet."

Hon. Manuel Heredia Jr.
"It is our intent that hopefully [on] Thursday and Friday, we can do a radiothon, whereby, I am sure that we can collect a substantial amount of money from donations."

There are many needs after the fire, and many who want ot make donations. But, our friends at the San Pedro Sun say be careful to whom you donate. They recommend, the South Ambergris Caye Neighborhood Watch, The Red Cross, The San Pedro Lions Club, and The San Pedro Rotary Club who will ensure that the fire victims receive donations.