A rapidly spreading wildfire has left a small Belizean community reeling from destruction after it swept through San Pedro Columbia, located in the Toledo District, on April 28, 2026. The blaze, which ignited inside a kitchen attached to a local church, was fanned by strong gusts of wind that carried flames across nearly a quarter mile of densely packed residential area, ultimately destroying 13 traditional thatch homes and displacing roughly 10 families who called the structures home.
Village Chairman Abner Cal shared details of the incident in an interview with local outlet News Five, crediting quick-thinking community members with halting the fire’s advance before it could claim more property. Villagers formed a coordinated chain at strategic points across the affected area, dousing surrounding structures and brush with water to cut off the fire’s path. While strong winds continue to pose a minor risk of reignition, Cal confirmed that the blaze has been fully contained as of the initial report.
Cal confirmed that all 13 destroyed structures have been accounted for, and explained that the all-thatch construction of most village homes made containment particularly difficult, as dry thatch ignites instantly and allows flames to jump quickly between adjacent properties. In the wake of the destruction, the village chairman has issued a public appeal for emergency assistance to support the 10 displaced families, who face an urgent need for shelter, basic supplies and resources to rebuild their lost homes. Interested donors or aid organizations can reach Cal directly at his contact number 625-0099 to offer support, he said.
This report is adapted from a transcript of an evening television newscast originally published by the local outlet.