Now while NEMO was assessing the damage and connecting with the fire victims, the Fire Department was also doing ITS part in investigating the cause of the fire and it's arson! Today Fire Chief Ted Smith told us that two houses were already on fire when they arrived but there was only so much they could do to contain the fire, so it spread and damaged 10 structures:
Ted Smith, Fire Chief, Belize Nat'l Fire Service
"The fire started on the lower flat of the southwestern portion of a two story structure on Conch Shell Street, Boca Del Rio, San Pedro."
"So far we have determined that the fire was an incendiary fire which means that the fire was lit by a person or persons who knew under the circumstances that the fire should not have been lit at the time."
"On our arrival, contrary to others belief, we found two structures on fire. The fire department went into operation to try and contain the fire. This area of Boca Del Rio is a very very congested area and it would have been difficult if we arrive with 5 trucks or 20 men, it would have been extremely difficult to contain the fire because the members of the department doesn't have opportunity to implement what we would have called 3-prong attack within the area because of the close proximity. A 3 prong attack includes attack in the seat of the fire, dealing with avenue of fire spread and dealing with exposure when it is tightly congested you have problems dealing with exposure."
"Investigation also revealed that the structure probably was on fire for sometime because during the interview out there some of the people who discovered the fire and gave a statement said they discovered the fire sometime before 1 that morning but somehow the information did not trickle down properly to the police of the fire department in a timely manner which can be as a result of a number of reasons overly excited, the priority was to get out the people."
In any fire, the fire department's lack of working equipment is always brought to light especially on the island, so Smith says that they are working on getting two new units for the town. Also, Smith encourages residents, especially those who are always willing to help in the case of a fire, to join the volunteer unit of the Fire Department for training so they can assist.
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