By Belize Live News Staff: A devastating fire broke out on Tuesday morning at a two-story home on Dougal Street, near North Creek, on Belize City’s south side. The fire, which began shortly after 11:00 a.m., completely engulfed the house where Steve Myles had lived for 22 years. Neither Myles nor his family was home at the time of the incident.
The blaze reportedly started shortly after the Ministry of Health conducted mosquito fogging around the residence. Myles, a retired Ministry of Health employee, said he was informed of the fire after leaving his house and initially dismissed it as a misunderstanding related to the fogging operation. “I told them, ‘No, my house isn’t burning because it’s just fog.’ But when I got two or three more calls, I turned back, and as I came up Raccoon Street, I saw the smoke,” Myles said.
The home and its contents were completely destroyed. Myles noted that the property, valued at an estimated $90,000, was uninsured. Firefighters, while battling the flames, faced setbacks when their water supply ran out. No injuries were reported.
Myles, overwhelmed by the loss, expressed gratitude that no lives were lost but appealed for assistance to rebuild his home. “If anybody could help me with clothes, food, or a donation… I just want some help to get back on my feet,” he said. The timing of the fire has been particularly challenging as Myles and his wife were planning to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary this Christmas.
“This Christmas I won’t see Christmas,” Myles said solemnly, “but I’m not worrying about that because there will be more Christmases. Right now, I just need shelter.”
The Myles family has lived at the Dougal Street address for over two decades, having built the home on land provided by a family member. Despite the tragedy, Myles remains resilient, sharing the ups and downs of his life as he calls on the community for support.
Assistance for the Myles family can be provided by contacting 615-6008 or 626-0645.
