BELIZE CITY, BELIZE – A severe residential fire erupted Friday evening on Aloe Vera Street, resulting in the complete destruction of a bedroom shared by four boys and triggering urgent safety warnings about electronic device charging practices.
The incident unfolded when homeowner Diane Pelayo’s daughter detected smoke emanating from her brothers’ room. Pelayo described the terrifying discovery: “Upon pushing the door open, I encountered intense flames engulfing the entire bedroom. All bedding materials were actively burning despite neighbors’ immediate efforts to combat the blaze using garden hoses.”
While official investigators from the National Fire Service have not yet determined the conclusive cause, Pelayo attributes the ignition to a tablet left charging on bedding materials. She issued a heartfelt public advisory: “I implore families to avoid leaving any devices plugged in on beds – this charging tablet ignited directly on the bedding and started the catastrophic fire.”
The rapid spread afforded the four boys only seconds to evacuate, escaping solely with the clothing they wore. The Pelayo family’s six children subsequently endured the night sleeping on cardboard flooring at a neighbor’s residence.
Current assistance efforts focus on securing temporary housing, replacement beds, construction materials for rebuilding, and clothing donations for boys aged 14-21. Community members able to provide support may contact Diane Pelayo directly at 629-6750.