San Ignacio family loses home to fire

A family of six in the Cayo District lost their home to a blaze in the wee hours of this morning. The fire broke out just after midnight and quickly engulfed the concrete bungalow structure in San Ignacio Town. Reporter Vejea Alvarez tells us more. 

Vejea Alvarez, Love News:  On Monday morning Juan Tzib and his family were forced to evacuate their home on Rodriguez Street in San Ignacio Town. Just after midnight Tzib’s home caught fire and burnt to the ground as his family stood by and watched helplessly. Tzib said he had just fallen asleep when he was awakened by his daughter around 12:15 AM. 

Juan Tizb, Fire Victim: “I was asleep in the hall when my daughter came up and woke me up and told me the house was on fire. The fire started at a room that is behind the main building and then in no time, in less than half an hour it was all engulfed in flames. Like how the fire started behind the building so it gave us time for everybody to come out.”

Vejea Alvarez, Love News: Firefighters responded to the scene and were able to extinguish the blaze but by that time the home and all its contents were destroyed. Authorities are yet to ascertain the cause of the blaze but Tzib says he is sure that it was not due to faulty wiring.

Juan Tizb, Fire Victim: “A couple months ago my son came and he inspected the house to do some installation and we don’t think it’s electrical. We had just bought new household items like refrigerator, stove, washing machine, sofa set, only that we’d say amounts to about almost ten thousand dollars and we’re not talking about the clothing.”

Vejea Alvarez, Love News: Amid the efforts to wash away the rubble and start fresh the Mayor of the Twin Towns, Earl Trapp Senior, was on the ground. Trapp says that during his conversation with Tzib he learned that there may be an element of arson.

Earl Trapp, Mayor of San Ignacio / Santa Elena: “I know that a fire may occur at any time we have electrical that may malfunction from time to time but he is very much certain that something went wrong whereby it wasn’t electrical it more look like its arson. So showed us where the fence was cut at the back and I think the fire department has been taking information, taking note and more than likely they should by the end of the day come up with something final as to whether it’s arson or suspected through an electrical malfunction.”

Vejea Alvarez, Love News: Tzib has resided in the community for decades and is noted as a kind soul. Trapp is now calling on residents of the Cayo district to come together and aid the family in their time of need.

Earl Trapp, Mayor of San Ignacio / Santa Elena: “We are a people of love. We are a people that are united. I think this is the opportune time for us to lend a helping hand to Mr.Tzib and his family in whatever way you can. It could be in monetary or in kind because he has to rebuild. I know the council will come in with the backhoe and breakdown the remains of the wall and see where we can continue to help. Maybe as well we’ll be doing some fundraisers to see if we can assist them to get a structure back up but it’s important that we come together as one community to help Mr.Tzib and his family.”

Vejea Alvarez, Love News: Tizb, his wife Josefina Jimenez, his daughters and two nieces are now displaced. If you are willing and able the family will appreciate your help.

Juan Tizb, Fire Victim: “Right now I’m trying to get a phone number because my phone I didn’t take it out so it burned but if anybody would like to help they can call my wife at 621-4179 or I might get a phone a little later which will be 623-1862.”