By Belize Live News Staff: A landlord in Hopkins is grappling with the loss of one of his rented properties after a fire destroyed the home early Thursday morning. Charlton Castillo, the property owner, was notified around 9:00 am about the blaze. Although he rushed to the scene with his spouse, the house was already engulfed in flames by the time he arrived.
According to Castillo, the home was occupied by a tenant—an employee of Seiri Del Mar Resort—and her two young children. The tenant recounted that she awoke to the sound of crackling and saw flames in the back room. Although she attempted to extinguish the fire, it quickly became too intense, forcing her to evacuate with her children.
The cause of the fire remains unknown, as neither Castillo nor his tenant could determine how it started. Castillo estimated his losses at around $45,000, which includes the structure and all furnishings. Reflecting on the incident, he expressed deep frustration over the sudden destruction of his property and the significant financial setback it has caused.
Police are investigating the fire, but until the cause is determined, Castillo and his tenant are left with more questions than answers. The landlord’s hope now rests on finding some clarity in the days ahead as he assesses his next steps.
