Farmer Charged After Fire Destroys Four Homes in San Felipe

A fire in San Felipe Village, Toledo District, has left four thatched houses destroyed, and a 24-year-old farmer arrested and charged for intentionally starting the blaze. The incident occurred on Thursday around 3:00 p.m., when emergency services received reports of a house fire. Upon arrival, Punta Gorda police and National Fire Service personnel found four thatched structures reduced to charred remains. Senior Correspondent Paul Mahung visited the site of the fire over the weekend and spoke with those affected.

Fire Victim: “Around 3pm I was at my mother’s house and when we heard a noise like that blazing coming out. So we rushed outside and we saw a blaze of fire coming from that direction and then it quickly spread to the other house. The three houses were on fire and then a big blaze of fire and then that strong wind came and I didn’t expect my house to catch fire and then I didn’t expect my house catch fire I didn’t know what to do. I was devastated, I was scared and the first thing we did we called the chairman and then from there he contacted the fire department. But by the time they came the fire was already down, easing down already when they came. In my family it’s four of us, my common-law and he is 25 years and then I have a daughter is 5 years old and I have a son he is 5 months old. And then I would like some clothing, and some supplies because I lost everything, supplies for my kitchen, dishes , anything would be helpful. And then I need back a house because right now I’m left without a house and everything in there is destroyed, my clothing, documents everything.”

Paul Mahung, Love News: That is a tremendous loss Ms.Baki. And like you said you would need construction material, you need items to put in the house, you need things for your children you mentioned their ages and so on.

Fire Victim: “A five year old going to school and then we lost everything in there.”

Paul Mahung, Love News: So even some school supplies will be helpful.

Fire Victim: “Yes.”

Paul Mahung, Love News: Is there a contact number to get in contact with you ? 

Fire Victim: “Yes. 606 7838 or if I can’t be reached we have the chairman.”

Investigations revealed that the fire began at the home of Francisco Tush, a 72-year-old labourer who was at work when the incident occurred. Tush’s wife, Juliana Choc, called him to report that their two thatched houses had caught fire and burned to the ground. The flames also spread to neighboring properties, destroying an unoccupied thatched house belonging to Cesario Tiul, Tush’s son-in-law, as well as a 20×20 thatched house owned by Alexander Ca’al, a 25-year-old construction worker. Tush estimated the value of his two houses at approximately $2,000 each, with contents including clothing, kitchen utensils, a stove, washing machine, and tools valued at around $1,200. Tiul’s house was valued at approximately $8,000, while Ca’al’s home and contents were estimated at $15,000. None of the properties were insured, and fortunately, no injuries were reported. Following a thorough investigation, authorities detained Cesario Tiul who was charged with the crime of arson.