Early Morning Fire Damages Downtown Belize City Store

Authorities are investigating an early-morning fire that damaged Femines Store inside the Abdo Building at the corner of Albert and Orange Streets in downtown Belize City.  Police were called to the area shortly before one o’clock yesterday morning. Firefighters managed to contain the blaze to the store and prevented it from spreading through the rest of the building. No one was injured.  Femines Store, located on the ground floor at the front of the building, carried kitchen and household appliances. Much of the merchandise was damaged by either the fire or the water used to bring it under control.  Assistant Commissioner of Police Stacy Smith provided details on the police and fire response.

Stacy Smith, Assistant Superintendent of Police: “On Sunday 26 July, 2026 at approximately 12:44 am police control room was advised of a fire at the corner of Albert and Orange Street. CIB personnel responded and upon their arrival they met with fire officials who had already begun extinguishing the fire. What we have learned so far in the course of the investigation is that the owner of Femines Store reported that he left his property and he was only alerted that a fire occurred and he visited and made the observation. He stated that the building is one that he rents however the contents are his and they are insured. The department is currently awaiting the report from the National Fire Service as to whether the fire was as a result of electrical works gone bad or if it was deliberately set. As that information is learned it will be conveyed to the media.”

Store owner Dilip Budhrani told authorities that the contents of the business were insured with RF&G Insurance. It was not immediately known whether the building itself was insured.  The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and the total value of the damage has not yet been determined.  The Abdo Building occupies one of the best-known commercial corners in downtown Belize City, near the Swing Bridge, Mule Park and the former Belize City Market. Over the years, the Abdo Building has housed several well-known businesses. One of Belize’s earliest Kentucky Fried Chicken outlets also operated from the building during the mid-1970s and into the early 1980s.