There were two fires in the city last night and police believe both were intentionally set. But more importantly, both appear to be politically motivated. The arsonists had two targets: the Women's Department on Albert Street and Jose Coye's Toyota Land Cruiser which was parked in front of his home in the King's Park Area. Both incidents are believed to be unrelated but the Fire Chief says they could have been the recipe for disaster. Here's more.
Keith Swift Reporting,
This is the damage done to the Women's Department after it was set on fire early this morning. At 12:20, to be precise, fire fighters responded to reports of a fire on Albert Street. Fire Chief Henry Baizar says that when they arrived at the Women's Department, they found three separate fires burning on the outside of the building.
Henry Baizar, Fire Chief
"We saw smoke coming from the building. We did a forced entry into the building and we found fire in three separate locations. We put them out."
Keith Swift,
What was the extent of the damage inside the building?
Henry Baizar,
"It wasn't much damage, very minor damage but it is a concern for us because it is a huge wooden building in the center of downtown Belize City and
if it had gotten out of control, it would have caused serious damage within downtown Belize City."
Keith Swift,
You said it was burning in three separate locations, are you able to be more specific?
Henry Baizar,
"Well the fires they were downstairs, all three fires were downstairs. The fires from out side because the fires were within the outer walls and the ceiling and the casing of the building."
Baizar believes that in the case of the Women's Department, it was arson.
Henry Baizar,
"We suspect that it was some sort of mischievous act, simply because of the three separate locations and secondly because of the smell of sort of accelerant, which probably they were using."
Keith Swift,
You said there was an odor of accelerant, are you talking about gasoline?
Henry Baizar,
"One of those things, I can't say which one it was."
Minutes after that fire - fire fighters were summoned to another fire. This time was a vehicle. To be more specific it was Caribbean Shores' Area Representative and Minister of Health and Transport Joe Coye's Toyota Land Cruiser.
Henry Baizar,
"We went to Mr. Coye's residence and found, well there was no fire when we got there but what we noticed was that the vehicle was burnt on the rear driver's side of the vehicle near the bumper. That's where the damage was. Again there was a strong smell of some of accelerant that was used and that's why we suspect there was type of mischievous act."
Director of the Women's Department Carol Fonseca says the attack is unfortunate. She did note that damage to the office was minimal and their work continues. In the unrest in April of 2005, there was a very similar attempt to torch the office of the Department of Women's Affairs. As for Coye's Toyota Land Cruiser, it is still in use - except now with the distinctive plume on the back.
