Thursday, March 28, 2024

Morning fire destroys home in DFC

Share

Volunteers and official firefighters fought hard to get the flames doused.
Volunteers and official firefighters fought hard to get the flames doused.

Shortly around 2:45AM, on Friday, August 12th, neighbors alerted Stephanie Hemingway that her newly refurbished home on Black Pearl Street, DFC, was on fire. After quickly calling the San Pedro Fire Department, neighbors got in formation to do what they could to help. Buckets were collected and water began pouring, as the fire trucks arrived quickly, and joined in the efforts.

According to Hemingway, it was clear that the home was not salvageable at that point, and so the gathered group and officials concentrated on preventing the fire from spreading. “I am so thankful that this did not get worse. The fire officials were so amazing, and showed up so fast,” said a grateful Hemingway. “And my neighbors were so kind and helpful. From Miss Helen alerting me then Gene Lopez organizing the manpower, everyone pitched in. This really is a wonderful community.”

Fire DFC Stephanie Hemingway-6
The structure was not salvageable, but efforts were put in to prevent the spread of the flames.

Volunteers, upon noticing that the closest neighbor’s home was quickly getting smoke and heat damage, began dousing its walls, focusing on preventing the further spreading of the flames. Coupled with low to no winds, the night was favorable in preventing a catastrophe. By 3:50AM, the small bursts of blazes were being put out, and by 4:42AM, the fire had been completely brought under control.

Fire DFC Stephanie Hemingway-2

While there was complete and total structure loss, Hemingway is practical about it. “This could have been so much worse had the winds picked up. There were a lot of memories, but I am just so thankful that it was controlled as quickly as it was. I cannot thank all my neighbors enough. Their help was invaluable.”

An official report will be filed and prepared by the San Pedro Police and Fire departments, the details of which we’ll share once made available. This is the second fire in as many months on La Isla Bonita.

Read more

 

Please help support Local Journalism in Belize

For the first time in the history of the island's community newspaper, The San Pedro Sun is appealing to their thousands of readers to help support the paper during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since 1991 we have tirelessly provided vital local and national news. Now, more than ever, our community depends on us for trustworthy reporting, but our hard work comes with a cost. We need your support to keep delivering the news you rely on each and every day. Every reader contribution, however big or small, is so valuable. Please support us by making a contribution.

Local News