Fire Engulfs Home on Magazine Road

A 20 by 15 wooden structure was consumed by fire this morning at around ten thirty.  Our news team was on the scene on Magazine Road in Belize City and found firefighters working on extinguishing the fire.  Preliminary reports say that the fire was caused by a defective stove that was left unattended.  We learned that a 16-year-old high school student was at home doing the laundry, and had decided to make noodles.  A few minutes later, the young man began smelling smoke and that was when he found that the kitchen on fire.  The house and its contents, valued at 20 thousand dollars, were completely destroyed.  Home-owner, Chevelle McLaren, says she had received the house in 2019 through Hands in Hands.

Cherelle Mclaren, House Fire Victim: “It was devastating. When I got the news I was like “What ?! Can’t” and like I got confused, didn’t know anybody’s number. I always hear about fire but never expected something like this would happen to me. It’s really sad. I usually check to make sure everything cut off before I go to work but I leave at seven o’clock but I checked this morning and everything was okay. Nine years.”

Reporter: Nine years and you worked hard to build this three bedroom home.” 

Cherelle Mclaren, House Fire Victim: “I got it from Hands in Hands nine years ago but the land is for me and my sisters.” 

The house was the home for five persons.  Anyone willing and able to assist the family can contact the family at 6731258.